For President Mahama, every mother must live. What about you?

Every mother's life matters, and President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana's leader, has made this a top priority. Despite progress, maternal mortality remains far too high in Ghana. The country's maternal mortality ratio has dropped from 943 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 234 in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, this still far exceeds the global target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. President Mahama is determined to make reducing maternal mortality a national priority, recognizing it as a moral imperative and shared responsibility. The Maternal Mortality Action and Response Plan (MMARP) is a government-led initiative to accelerate the reduction of maternal deaths.

However, the question remains: why are women still dying during childbirth despite attending multiple antenatal care visits? Factors such as delayed emergency care, failing referral systems, and unavailability of critical services when needed contribute to these preventable deaths. The government is working to strengthen emergency obstetric care, improve referral systems, and enhance accountability across health facilities.

Communities, families, chiefs, queen mothers, religious leaders, and opinion leaders also play a crucial role in ensuring pregnant women receive timely and appropriate care. The Ghanaian public is encouraged to support pregnant women, encourage them to attend antenatal clinics, deliver in health facilities, and seek immediate care when complications arise.

Together, let's work towards making maternal mortality a challenge of the past and building a healthier Ghana where no woman dies while giving life.