By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, June 26, GNA – Health authorities from the Upper East, North East and Northern Regions have met in Bolgatanga for a one-day conference to review maternal and child health indicators and develop strategies to reduce preventable deaths across northern Ghana.
The conference formed part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Health Service and its partners to strengthen health systems and advance the country’s goal of ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy beginnings for every child.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, described the meeting as a timely technical engagement to strengthen collaboration and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The conference brought together Regional Health Directors, clinicians, public health experts from the Tamale Teaching Hospital, development partners and representatives of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) CHPS+ Project.
Sponsored by the KOICA Project Management Service, the meeting focused on assessing health performance, identifying service delivery gaps and agreeing on evidence-based interventions.
Dr Abubakari commended the contributions of Tamale Teaching Hospital clinicians and thanked development partners, particularly KOICA, for supporting Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) and primary healthcare delivery.
While acknowledging progress in maternal and child health, he noted that preventable maternal deaths, neonatal complications and under-five mortality remain major challenges in some districts.
Participants examined issues including skilled delivery coverage, antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, referral systems and community-based interventions.
Dr Abubakari also called for improved data use, stronger emergency transport systems, enhanced skilled birth attendance and intensified community education on maternal health.
He expressed confidence that the conference would produce practical actions and stronger coordination to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the three northern regions.
The one-day conference forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Health Service and its partners to strengthen health systems and advance the country’s goal of ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy beginnings for every child.
In a recorded video message, Mr Donghyun Lee, Country Director of the KOICA Ghana Office, said the meeting provided an opportunity not only to review achievements but also to reflect on the challenges facing maternal, neonatal and child health.
He observed that despite the efforts of the GHS, KOICA and other development partners, progress in some key MNCH indicators had fallen short of expectations.
“This calls for renewed commitment, stronger collaboration and practical solutions,” he said.
Mr Lee stressed that sustainable progress would require stronger ownership by health authorities, greater accountability among stakeholders and evidence-based decision-making.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would promote constructive dialogue and coordinated action to improve health outcomes for mothers, newborns and children.
The Country Director reaffirmed KOICA’s commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana and the GHS in strengthening the country’s health system and improving its resilience.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Email: [email protected]