Gender Minister and midwives collaborate to address maternal deaths in Ghana
Ghana's Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, met with the Greater Accra Chapter of the National Association of Registered Midwives-Ghana to discuss strategies for reducing preventable maternal deaths. The meeting, led by Association Chairperson Rosetta N. Boakye, addressed challenges contributing to maternal mortality and emphasized the need for increased collaboration among institutions to enhance maternal and newborn health. The Association presented a policy paper, "Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths in Ghana: A Policy Position on Accelerating Ghana鈥檚 Progress Towards SDG 3.1," which identified gaps in care quality, staffing, referral systems, and access to timely interventions for obstetric complications. Despite progress, the Association noted that Ghana is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, advocating for renewed action. Dr. Lartey acknowledged the midwives' concerns, stressing the importance of institutional cooperation and highlighting social protection programs like LEAP. She underscored the need for stronger links between social protection and health interventions to ensure vulnerable women access essential maternal and newborn health services, reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to protecting women and promoting safe motherhood.
