Paragraph 1: The Challenge of Maternal Mortality in Greater Accra
The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate (GRHD) faces a significant challenge in achieving the global maternal health target of less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, a key component of Sustainable Development Goal 3.1. While the region recorded a slight decrease in maternal deaths from 170 in 2023 to 163 in 2024, the current maternal mortality ratio of 167 deaths per 100,000 live births remains substantially higher than the global target. This persistent challenge underscores the urgency of implementing effective strategies to improve maternal health outcomes in the region. Incomplete data capture from both public and private health facilities hinders a comprehensive understanding of the true extent of the problem and hampers effective intervention planning.
Paragraph 2: Addressing the Root Causes and Strengthening Data Collection
A key factor contributing to the high maternal mortality ratio in Greater Accra is the difficulty in collecting comprehensive data on skilled deliveries, particularly from over 600 private healthcare facilities operating in the region. Accurate data collection is fundamental for effective policy formulation, targeted interventions, and accurate monitoring of progress. The GRHD recognizes the crucial role of reliable data and aims to strengthen data collection mechanisms from all health facilities, both public and private, to gain a more precise understanding of the maternal health landscape. This improved data will enable more effective planning, resource allocation, and targeted interventions to address the specific challenges contributing to maternal deaths.
Paragraph 3: Strategies for Improved Maternal Health Outcomes
The GRHD has outlined several strategic interventions aimed at reducing maternal and perinatal mortality. These include ongoing training programs focused on safe motherhood practices and life-saving skills for healthcare professionals, regular zonal meetings with expert supervision from obstetricians, gynecologists, and pediatricians, and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders across the health sector. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of care provided to pregnant women and newborns, address preventable causes of maternal deaths, and ensure timely access to essential services. The GRHD also emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation of these interventions to maximize their impact.
Paragraph 4: Annual Performance Review and Future Priorities
The GRHD’s annual performance review meeting serves as a crucial platform for evaluating progress, identifying performance gaps, and developing strategies for improvement. The 2024 review focused on “Improving Performance and Health Outcomes through Service Delivery, Partnerships, and Excellence in Health Service Delivery.” Key priorities for 2025 include leveraging partnerships, strengthening governance systems, and enhancing service quality and safety. The directorate also highlighted its success in containing the cholera outbreak through robust surveillance and epidemic management systems. Addressing staffing inequities is also a key focus, with efforts made to deploy personnel to underserved areas like Ada East and West Districts.
Paragraph 5: Broader Health System Challenges and the Need for Commitment
The GRHD operates within a context of broader health system challenges, including dwindling financial resources, increasing disease burden, workforce migration, and deteriorating infrastructure. These systemic issues underscore the need for unwavering commitment from health professionals to improve healthcare delivery and achieve optimal health outcomes for the population. Promoting transparency, accountability, and excellence within health facilities are crucial elements in overcoming these challenges. Strengthening reporting mechanisms, especially in the private health sector, is vital for obtaining accurate data and facilitating informed decision-making.
Paragraph 6: The Importance of Collaboration and Focus
The Greater Accra Regional Minister emphasized the pivotal role of health professionals in improving healthcare delivery. She urged them to uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and excellence in their practice. The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening reporting systems, particularly within private health facilities, to ensure accurate data capture and thus support evidence-based decision-making. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, and the community are essential for addressing the complex challenges related to maternal mortality and achieving the SDGs related to maternal and child health. Focusing on the leading causes of maternal mortality, including postpartum hemorrhage, infections, hypertensive disorders, delivery complications, and unsafe abortions, is critical for implementing targeted interventions and significantly reducing preventable maternal deaths. The GRHD recognizes the critical interconnectedness of these factors in achieving sustainable improvements in maternal health.
