Stillbirth rate in Western Region reduced by 15.7%, maternal mortality rate by 25.2% – GHS – Skyy Power FM

The Western Regional Health Director of the Ghana Health Service Dr Nana Yaw Ofori-Yeboah says the region managed to reduce the stillbirth rate by 15.7% to 8.9 per 1000 live birth.

Speaking at the 2022 Annual Performance Review of the Western Region in Takoradi on Tuesday, March 28, Dr Obiri-Yeboah added that the institutional maternal mortality ratio also improved from 118 to 95 per 1000 live birth which is a reduction of 25.2%.

He said this is a significant improvement for the Western Regional Health Directorate but they will not rest until every woman who comes to their facility alive, leaves alive.

He said, “That’s why the region has put together a comprehensive strategy to deal with maternal mortality. This strategy, named Be Part will be out doored during this review. The strategy alone will not reduce maternal mortality but the active participation of all of us, including our partners, is needed to save our women.”

Dr Obiri-Yeboah further revealed that the Health infrastructure in the region received a significant boost in the year under review, five new polyclinics were completed at Tarkwa, Mpohor,  Elubo, Wassa Dunkwa and  Bogoso.

He said, “Five (5) new polyclinics at Mpohor, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Elubo, Waasa Dunkwa and Bogoso as well as an Infectious JSI/USAID Care Continuum Project has been the region’s main partner in the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS for many years Disease Centre at Elubo were completed. The facilities are at an advanced stage of operationalization. Additionally, the rehabilitation of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and the construction of a new Regional Hospital at Apimenim in the Ahanta West District commenced in the year under review.”

Dr Obiri-Yeboah also appreciated the high level of commitment and professionalism of the staff of the Ghana Health Service during the Appiatse chemical explosion and the outbreak of the  Malberg virus in the Western Region.