NEARLY 1,000 women died during childbirth across health facilities in the country last year. Each number represents a life cut short, a family left grieving and a newborn who will grow up without a mother.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the deaths translate into about 122 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births far above the World Health Organisation’s target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals.
Equally troubling is that the country recorded a slight increase in the institutional maternal mortality ratio in 2024, rising to 110 deaths per 100,000 live births from 109 the previous year.
The increase may appear marginal, but it is a reminder that maternal mortality remains a stubborn public health challenge.
The figures were disclosed by the Director of the Family Health Division of the GHS, Kennedy T. C. Brightson, during the launch of a five-year project aimed at improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition services in the country.
The initiative, which seeks to strengthen collaboration among health professionals and improve service delivery, is timely and commendable. Yet the stark statistics show that much more must be done if Ghana is to protect the lives of pregnant women.
The painful truth is that most maternal deaths are preventable. With proper antenatal care, skilled birth attendants and timely emergency services, many of these lives could be saved.
Around the world, countries have reduced maternal mortality by investing in quality maternal health services and ensuring that women receive care before, during and after childbirth.
Ghana has made progress in the past, but the figures presented at the event suggest that momentum has slowed.
Many of the factors contributing to maternal deaths are well known, delays in seeking medical care, long distances to health facilities, shortages of trained personnel and inadequate equipment to handle emergencies.
In some rural communities, expectant mothers must travel long distances before reaching a health facility.
In other cases, facilities are overstretched or lack the resources needed to respond quickly to complications.
Addressing this problem requires renewed urgency. The government must continue to invest in maternal health by improving health infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas.
More midwives and skilled health professionals must be trained and deployed where they are most needed.
Emergency referral systems also need strengthening. When complications arise, every minute counts.
Efficient ambulance services and better coordination between health facilities can make the difference between life and death.
Communities also have an important role to play. Families must support pregnant women to seek early antenatal care and ensure they deliver in safe and well-equipped facilities.
Ghana has committed to reducing maternal deaths as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Achieving that target will require sustained investment, stronger health systems and greater public awareness.
The loss of nearly 1,000 mothers in a single year should serve as a wake-up call.
No woman should lose her life while giving life. Ghana must act and act decisively to ensure that mothers survive childbirth and live to raise the children they bring into the world.
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The post No woman should die giving life appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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