UNFPA calls for incentives to retain health workers in underserved communities

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is urging the implementation of stronger incentives to retain healthcare workers in Ghana's underprivileged and remote regions. According to Dr Sennen Hounton, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa at UNFPA, the current concentration of medical professionals in major cities is hindering efforts to enhance maternal healthcare in deprived communities.

Speaking at the national launch of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response in Accra, Hounton highlighted that many health workers are unwilling to accept assignments outside the capital due to the ease of returning to urban centers. To address this issue, Hounton suggested introducing incentive packages for health workers who commit to serving in remote areas for extended periods.

These incentives could include additional allowances on top of regular salaries, opportunities for further education and professional development, and potential scholarships upon completion of their assignments. Hounton emphasized that formal bonding mechanisms linking service in challenging locations to tangible career and financial benefits are necessary in all West and Central African countries.

He argued that by implementing such measures, countries can retain skilled personnel in areas where their services are most needed, ultimately contributing to saving the lives of mothers and newborns.