Ghana has reported a significant decline in neonatal mortality, with rates reaching 17 deaths per 1,000 live births, marking a notable achievement in the country’s healthcare sector.
The government aims to reduce this figure further to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance maternal and child health.
Over the past decade, Ghana has implemented strategic initiatives such as expanding access to prenatal care, enhancing healthcare infrastructure by building new health facilities and upgrading existing ones, and implementing comprehensive community health education programs that focus on maternal and child health.
These efforts have been instrumental in driving down neonatal mortality rates.
Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu, Director of the Family Health Division at the Ghana Health Service, acknowledged the significant progress made in reducing neonatal mortality, a testament to the effectiveness of Ghana’s public health initiatives. This acknowledgement should instil a sense of optimism and encouragement in the audience, knowing that progress is being made despite persistent challenges.
“The reduction in neonatal mortality reflects the effectiveness of our public health initiatives,” Dr. Okoh-Owusu stated.
“However, achieving the SDG target requires continued efforts. We are focusing on strengthening healthcare worker training, increasing funding for neonatal care, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure optimal outcomes for newborns.”
At the recent 12th Annual Newborn Stakeholder Conference themed “Improving Respiratory Care for the Newborn Within the Network of Practice,” stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, public health organizations, and others, reiterated their commitment to advancing maternal and child health through collaborative efforts. This collective dedication is a testament to the shared goal of improving healthcare outcomes in Ghana.
Ghana’s unwavering commitment to further reducing neonatal mortality underscores its dedication to improving healthcare outcomes. This dedication should inspire hope and confidence in the audience, knowing that Ghana is working tirelessly to ensure every newborn receives essential care for a healthy start in life.
