Editorial: PRIMER Must Deliver On Maternal Deaths

The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, recently launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER) in an effort to tackle the country's persistent issue of maternal mortality. Hosted on September 14, 2026, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the initiative aims to reduce preventable maternal deaths across the country, with a target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

PRIMER adopts a multi-sectorial approach to address the leading causes of maternal deaths, which include severe bleeding, hypertensive disorders, infections, unsafe abortions, and indirect conditions such as severe anaemia and malaria. These complications can prove fatal when appropriate care is delayed, indicating that the problem extends beyond the availability of skilled health personnel.

The launch of PRIMER is praised by The Chronicle for its comprehensive strategy. However, the editorial emphasizes that the success of the initiative depends on the resolution of critical bottlenecks such as road, transportation, communication, water, and energy issues. Furthermore, the Chronicle calls for the integration of existing interventions like the Maternal Mortality Reduction Accelerated Action and Response Programme (MMARP) and the setting of clear targets, responsibilities, and reporting arrangements.

To ensure PRIMER's success, sustained political commitment, strict supervision, and community mobilization are essential. The government must guarantee adequate financing for hospitals and health facilities to manage obstetric emergencies, strengthen referral systems, and encourage early antenatal care, prompt reporting of danger signs, and timely transportation to appropriate facilities.

Ultimately, PRIMER must translate its political commitment into measurable action and bring an end to the tragedies of preventable maternal deaths in Ghana.