By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Bolgatanga, Dec. 11, GNA – The Upper East Region has recorded an increase in maternal deaths from 42 in 2024 to 56 between January and October 2025.
“In absolute numbers, we reported 42 maternal deaths in 2024, which increased significantly to 56 deaths by end of October 2025,” Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) disclosed.
Speaking at the matriculation ceremony and launch of the 75th Anniversary of the Midwifery Training College in Bolgatanga, Dr Abubakari, said still birth rate increased slightly from 9.9 per cent in 2024 to 10.17 per cent in October 2025.
The anniversary launch was on the theme: “75 years of excellence in midwifery education; Sustaining Maternal and Child Health Care.”
Dr Abubakari said Ante-Natal Care (ANC) coverage, which was 74.28 per cent in 2024, had reduced and 72.68 per cent as at the end of October 2025, while skilled deliveries decreased from 73.06 per cent in 2024 to 67.66 per cent within the same period this year.
He added that survival rates of preterm babies ranged between 78 per cent and 85 per cent, and that Family planning acceptor which rated 35 per cent in 2024 had also reduced to 28.4 per cent in 2025.
The Regional Director indicated that neonatal mortality continued to account for a large proportion of under-five deaths in the Region.
He expressed concern about the persistent human resource gaps, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where midwives were most needed, and that emerging health threats such as teenage pregnancies, non-communicable diseases, and the impact of climate change on health, demanded new skills and approaches.
Dr Abubakari insisted that it was the reason for considering the theme of the event as very timely, saying, excellence must not only be celebrated but must be sustained.
The Director said to sustain excellence, stakeholders must invest in continuous professional development for midwives and ensure they were equipped with modern skills and knowledge.
He said infrastructure and technology, including simulation laboratories, digital learning platforms, and telemedicine were critical for excellence.
Dr Abubakari advocated for research and innovation, as midwifery practice evolved with changing health needs, and stressed the need for partnerships between government, academia and communities to strengthen maternal and child health systems.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo