UNFPA calls for presidential intervention as maternal deaths reach crisis levels

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged the Ghanaian president to take immediate action to tackle the country's severe maternal health crisis. According to Dr Sennen Hounton, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, a woman dies every three hours in Ghana, resulting in eight maternal deaths daily. Hounton emphasized the silent nature of the issue, comparing it to the outcry that would occur if eight people were killed in a road accident each day.

The crisis, according to Hounton, stems from the multifaceted nature of the problem. Roads, electricity, and human resources all play crucial roles in ensuring timely access to maternal healthcare facilities. While the Ministry of Health is responsible for these aspects, it cannot resolve the issue alone. Hounton noted that many facilities in remote areas lack proper roads and electricity.

Hounton argued that a presidential initiative is essential to address this crisis due to its unique convening power. He praised the president for taking on this role and commended the government-led initiative, which is not driven by donors. Similar initiatives have been successful in Guinea-Bissau, Benin, and similar efforts are planned for The Gambia and Guinea Conakry.

Hounton stressed that this crisis demands immediate national attention and political action, likening it to a public health emergency. He stressed that raising the issue to this level of political engagement is crucial due to the gravity of the situation, as a woman loses her life to maternal complications almost every day in Ghana.