By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Nov. 24, GNA – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with Engage Now Africa, has commissioned a state-of-the-art 50-bed Mother & Child Hospital in the Sumbrungu-Agusi community in the Upper East Region.
The newly constructed facility is equipped with modern amenities, including labour and delivery rooms, a malnutrition consulting area, pediatric care, postpartum facilities, an observation area, a pharmacy, laboratory services, and emergency obstetric care, along with quarters for healthcare workers.
A statement issued in Accra by the Church said the facility was expected to meet the healthcare needs of over 1.3 million people across the Upper East Region, with a primary focus on maternal and child health.
Elder Kofi G. Sosu, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said the hospital embodied the Church’s mission to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by extending love and service to communities.
“These sacrifices are not meant to gain a personal recognition; we make them because we are struggling to emulate Christ as He would. The construction of this facility is a testament to our commitment to showing love and compassion as Christ taught us,” he said.
He expressed the hope that the hospital would improve maternal and infant care, reduce mortality rates, and support safer deliveries.
Madam Cecilia Amankwa, Country Director of Engage Now Africa, emphasized the NGO’s mission to alleviate poverty and enhance community well-being.
“We can never lift people out of poverty if they are not healthy. So, we thought it wise to build a facility like this that can treat mothers and children, helping them stay healthy and able to function well,” she added.
She said the construction of the facility was a testament to their commitment to showing love and compassion as Christ taught us.
She expressed hope that the hospital would improve maternal and infant care, reduce mortality rates, and support safer deliveries.
Dr. Lynette W. Gay, Founder and Board Chair of Engage Now Africa, urged health personnel to uphold compassion and professionalism in their work at the facility.
Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper East Regional Minister, who officially commissioned the hospital said the facility would help address maternal and child health challenges in the region.
He said “Any effort towards improving maternal health should be the priority of every community, as it was crucial to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, including goals One, Three, Four, Five, and Ten.
He commended Engage Now Africa, the Church and other key partners behind the construction of this hospital.
Mr Stephen Bordotsiah, Bolgatanga Municipal Health Director, announced that staff have been identified and are prepared to commence operations.
GNA