Ghana on Monday joined the world in observing this years World Health Day, with a call on the government to invest in midwives and their care models. 

 

Dr. Frank Lule, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Ghana, speaking at a ceremony in Accra, described midwifery care as a cost-effective way to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. 

 

“Midwifery care models where midwives provide ongoing support to pregnant women and babies after birth have shown to improve survival while reducing preterm birth and unnecessary medical interventions,” he said. 

 

Dr. Lule said that World Health Day offered a chance to recognize global achievements, including a 40 per cent decline in maternal mortality and a 50 per cent reduction in infant mortality over the past two decades. 

 

He noted that, despite global progress, Ghanas maternal and child health indicators remain far from the target of 70 per 1,000 live births by 2030. 

 

 Dr. Lule underscored the need for Ghana to invest in the health and wellbeing of mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents.  

 

He explained that this years theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Future” as focusing on giving every child the best start in life and ensuring women and families receive adequate care and support. 

 

 Dr. Lule urged Ghana to accelerate its child and maternal health efforts through high-quality antenatal care, including eight checks with skilled health workers before delivery.  

 

“This will support healthy pregnancies, reduce risks, and aid in detecting possible pregnancy complications early,” he said. 

 

 He further stressed the importance of life-saving care before, during, and after birth, as 70 per cent of maternal deaths are linked to obstetric causes such as haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, infections, and unsafe abortions. 

 

 Dr. Lule also called for investment in immediate newborn care to ensure essential support during the first month, including breastfeeding and infection prevention.  

 

“Let us also pay attention to vulnerable babies. Complications like prematurity and low birth weights are leading causes of deaths in newborns and children under five,” he added. 

 

 Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), reaffirmed Ghanas commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality.  

 

He pointed out that while there was some improvement in maternal mortality figures, with 263 deaths per 100,000 live births and 38 deaths per 1,000 live births for children, the statistics remained high. 

 

 “This is the time for us to mobilize our spirit of togetherness and strengthen our collaboration to build a seamless health sector because we are all potential patients,” Dr. Akoriyea said. 

 

 World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, raises awareness about key health issues. 

 

This years campaign seeks to highlight gaps in maternal and newborn survival, advocate for long-term investments in womens health, and foster collective action to support parents and health professionals. 

 

GNA