The Ashanti Region recorded 889 maternal deaths in 2024, raising concerns among health officials about the increasing number of women dying during childbirth.
Addressing stakeholders at the 2024 Health Sector Performance Review, Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, expressed deep concern over the persistent rise in maternal mortality despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services.
The event, themed “Strengthening Primary Health Care Through Networks of Practice (NOP) Towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Roles of Stakeholders,” provided a platform to assess healthcare progress and challenges in the region.
Dr. Adomako Boateng revealed that the Institutional Maternal Mortality Ratio per 100,000 live births has shown an alarming upward trend:
- 2020: 124 maternal deaths (105 deaths per 100,000 live births)
- 2021: 168 deaths (132 per 100,000)
- 2022: 181 deaths (134 per 100,000)
- 2023: 217 deaths (167 per 100,000)
- 2024: 199 deaths (166 per 100,000), exceeding the target of 125 per 100,000 live births.
“Why should 889 women die while giving life?” he questioned, calling for urgent interventions to curb the crisis.
Dr. Adomako Boateng also highlighted disparities in healthcare workforce distribution. While the doctor-to-population ratio has improved from 1:17,169 in 2020 to 1:5,614 in 2024, inequalities remain within different districts. The nurse-to-population ratio has also improved, from 1:7,169 in 2020 to 1:614 in 2024, but still falls short of the 1:450 target.
“It is very easy to jump to conclusions and say the ratios are good, but wait a minute—huge inequities exist within the region,” he stressed.
Despite the challenges, the review also celebrated the achievements of high-performing health institutions. Amansie West, Asante South, and Sekyere South health facilities were recognized as the best-performing institutions in the region.
The event was chaired by the Otumfuo Hiahene, Nana Professor Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, and attended by a representative of the Ashanti Regional Minister, health partners, senior staff, and other dignitaries.
Health officials are urging pregnant women to seek early medical care and attend regular check-ups to prevent further loss of lives. Stakeholders have also been called upon to invest in strengthening healthcare services to reduce maternal mortality in the region.
Source – Isaac Asiedu
