Ghana launches initiative to cut maternal deaths by 20% annually

Ghana has launched a new initiative called the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER) aimed at cutting maternal deaths by 20% each year. This five-year plan, launched on September 15 by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, seeks to ensure women receive prompt and quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery.

Currently, Ghana's maternal mortality ratio is above the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated that PRIMER would bring together various sectors, including ministries, local authorities, traditional leaders, and the private sector, to tackle the issues affecting maternal survival.

The Ministry of Health, through Deputy Minister Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has made the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP) the fifth pillar of PRIMER, providing it with a dedicated clinical and operational focus. Ghana's maternal mortality ratio currently stands at about 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, with 965 maternal deaths occurring during institutional deliveries in 2025.

A significant number of these deaths are attributed to late identification of high-risk pregnancies, delays in emergency referrals, and inadequate critical-care equipment and essential resources.

MMARP aims to strengthen primary-level care, referral systems, and emergency response to achieve a 20% reduction in maternal mortality annually over the next three years. The vice president called upon health professionals, communities, traditional leaders, and government institutions to play their part in encouraging women to seek early care and receive timely interventions.