Ghana launches Presidential Initiative to cut maternal deaths by 20% annually
Ghana has launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER) to accelerate efforts to reduce maternal deaths and ensure that women receive timely and quality care before, during and after childbirth. The five-year multisectoral initiative, launched by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, is being implemented […]
Ghana has introduced the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER) in a bid to slash maternal deaths by 20% each year. Launched by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the five-year program targets women through timely and quality care during childbirth. Speaking at the launch, the Vice President highlighted that Ghana's maternal mortality ratio was still above the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
To combat this, PRIMER will involve various stakeholders, including ministries, local authorities, traditional leaders, and the private sector. Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah revealed that the Ministry's Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP) has been integrated into PRIMER as its fifth pillar, providing a dedicated clinical and operational element.
Currently, Ghana's maternal mortality ratio stands at approximately 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, with 965 institutional maternal deaths in 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen primary-level care, referral systems, and emergency response, with the goal of reducing maternal mortality by 20% annually over the next three years.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang urged health professionals, communities, and relevant institutions to collaborate in ensuring women seek early care and receive timely interventions.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
