KATH records 30% drop in maternal deaths for first time in a decade

The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has reported a 30% decrease in maternal deaths during the first half of 2026, marking the first such decline in a decade. In January through June 2026, the hospital recorded 55 maternal deaths, a significant drop from 78 deaths in the same period in 2025. Hospital CEO Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo emphasized the importance of this improvement, emphasizing that no woman should lose her life due to pregnancy-related complications.

KATH's Maternal Intensive Care Unit, supported by specialists in anaesthesia and intensive care, has played a crucial role in this decline. Once all eight beds at the unit are operational, KATH anticipates further reductions in maternal deaths. The hospital has also strengthened partnerships with the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service to provide clinical mentorship and capacity-building support to regional health facilities.

KATH's efforts extend beyond maternal care, with the recently completed Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre expected to become fully operational soon, making it the first public facility in Ghana to host a state-of-the-art fertility center. Additionally, the hospital's Dialysis Centre has undergone refurbishment, expanding access to specialist dialysis services.

KATH currently operates 13 dialysis machines, with more available at the Accident and Emergency Centre. While KATH has shown significant progress in maternal care and other specialist services, the hospital acknowledges areas requiring improvement, such as deliveries, surgeries, physiotherapy, radiotherapy, and certain admission figures, which fell short of their mid-year targets.