Upper West records 45% drop in maternal deaths ahead of free primary healthcare rollout

The Upper West Region of Ghana has experienced a substantial 45% decrease in maternal deaths, signaling a major advancement in the pursuit of free primary healthcare. Ahead of this landmark initiative set to launch in 10 municipalities and districts, housing approximately 790,000 inhabitants, local health authorities have heralded significant strides in the sector.

Dr Josephat Nyuzagl, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, presented a sobering yet hopeful report at the Mid-Year Health Sector Review, detailing a transformative drop in maternal mortality rates from 87.82 to 48.5 per 100,000 live births. This progress is attributed to a confluence of factors, including a reduction in anemia among pregnant women and an uptick in the number of deliveries conducted under skilled supervision.

Dr Nyuzagl further highlighted the region's readiness to embrace the forthcoming Free Primary Healthcare policy, which President John Mahama initiated in April 2026. Phase One focuses on 10 municipalities and districts, covering roughly 78% of the regional population. To prepare for this rollout, the region has procured 853 pieces of equipment spanning 72 categories and has initiated the recruitment of 199 health workers.

However, the healthcare landscape still presents challenges, including insufficient infrastructure such as CHPS compounds, which could impede the direct delivery of services. To address this, Dr Nyuzagl called for enhanced accommodation provisions for community health officers to bring healthcare closer to the community.

Moreover, the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, echoing the sentiments of the region’s health officials, emphasized the policy’s transformative potential, stating that it promises not only to improve healthcare delivery but also to elevate the lives of citizens. Chief Director Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray, on behalf of the Upper West Regional Minister, underscored the policy's transformative power, urging all stakeholders - MMDAs, traditional leaders, and religious entities - to play an integral role in supporting health education and prioritizing investments in primary healthcare within their budgets.

Koray emphasized that the success of the policy hinges upon collaborative efforts, noting that every preventable maternal or neonatal death is unacceptable and urging everyone to ensure equitable access to quality and timely healthcare services. The region is poised and prepared for the smooth implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare policy, which stands as a significant step toward achieving healthcare equity and human capital development.