Maternal deaths require action beyond health sector – Dr Nii Moi Thompson

In a call for a multi-faceted approach to combatting maternal mortality in Ghana, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, the Economist and Chairman of the National Development Planning Committee, emphasized that the issue cannot be resolved by the health sector alone. At the unveiling of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMa), Dr. Thompson highlighted various non-health-related factors that impact maternal health, such as transportation, public financing, infrastructure, local government, and household decision-making.

He stressed that addressing maternal deaths necessitates coordinated efforts across all aspects of society and government. Dr. Thompson pointed out the crucial role of traditional and religious leaders in tackling maternal mortality due to their significant influence within communities and households. He believed that engaging these leaders could help combat the stigma, misinformation, and misconceptions that often surround pregnancy, maternal illness, family planning, adolescent pregnancy, and the importance of seeking professional care.

The Chairman also encouraged communities to promptly recognize pregnancy-related danger signs and take swift action, while simultaneously ensuring that health facilities are well-equipped to provide effective care when needed. Furthermore, Dr. Thompson urged accountability across various stakeholders, including families, communities, the private sector, civil society, the media, traditional authorities, and religious leaders.

He stressed that the success of PRIMa hinges on translating national commitments into funding, implementation, and measurable results. Dr. Thompson reiterated that safeguarding mothers' lives should be viewed as a collective national responsibility.