{
  "id": 16085336,
  "title": "Health Ministry calls for dedicated funding amidst rising maternal deaths",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/health-ministry-calls-for-dedicated-funding-amidst-rising-maternal",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-22T17:37:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/health-ministry-calls-for-dedicated-funding-amidst-rising-maternal-deaths/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana's health officials have reported a rise in maternal deaths during the first half of 2026, sparking concerns over the safety of pregnant women and the necessity for enhanced maternal healthcare nationwide. Deputy Health Minister Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah revealed this during a Parliament Public Accounts Committee meeting. The data shows 445 maternal deaths by mid-2026, compared to 419 in the same period last year, marking a 26-death increase. Dr Ayensu-Danquah urged for dedicated funding for maternal care, stressing that stable domestic funding is essential to meet Ghana's 2030 maternal health goals. Without consistent funding, she warned, the country could face difficulties in achieving its target to cut maternal mortality. The Ghana Health Service has earlier identified issues in maternal healthcare, such as shortages in skilled delivery services, with a 2024 institutional maternal mortality rate of 110 deaths per 100,000 live births, up from 109.22 in 2023. Leading causes of maternal deaths in Ghana include severe bleeding, early detection of related complications, and access to emergency care. Dr Ayensu-Danquah highlighted the importance of early detection and management of conditions like anaemia. The surge in maternal deaths highlights the need for stronger health facilities, improved referrals, and access to essential medical supplies. The call for dedicated funding also prompts questions about the sustainability of maternal health programs. As Ghana pursues its 2030 maternal health targets, these figures underscore the need for coordinated efforts by the government, health professionals, and stakeholders to ensure women receive timely care before, during, and after childbirth.",
  "summary": "Ghana has recorded an increase in maternal deaths in the first half of 2026, raising fresh concerns about the safety of pregnant women and the need to strengthen maternal healthcare across the country. Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, disclosed this during a sitting of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). According to her, 445 […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Saudi Gazette",
        "title": "Health Ministry: Prescription reviews and medication safety are core pharmacist duties",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/health-ministry-prescription-reviews-and-medication-safety-are-core",
        "published": "2026-10-22T16:15:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}