UNFPA calls for incentives to keep health workers in rural areas under presidential initiative on maternal health

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for incentives to retain health workers in rural areas as part of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Response (PRIMER). Launched by the vice president, PRIMER aims to reduce maternal deaths by 20 percent annually through multisectoral collaboration. Ghana currently experiences 234 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, falling short of the SDG target of fewer than 70 deaths.

Dr. Sennen Hounton, UNFPA Regional Director for the West and Central Africa, highlighted challenges such as late identification of high-risk pregnancies, delayed emergency referrals, and inadequate critical-care equipment, which PRIMER seeks to address. He noted that while Ghana has made progress reducing maternal mortality, the rate has stagnated, emphasizing the need for better systems, quality care, and aftercare.

Adolescent deaths are disproportionately high due to child marriage and increasing adolescent pregnancies. Dr. Hounton expressed concern over the high maternal mortality rate in Africa, where seven out of ten deaths occur in the region, accounting for 44 percent of the continental total. The lack of qualified health professionals in rural areas, driven by a lack of incentives, was identified as a major issue.

Dr. Hounton urged government to train and retain critical human resources, allocate resources for lifesaving family planning commodities, and mobilize citizens and corporate institutions to support PRIMER. UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Wilfred Ochan pledged the organization's support for the initiative.