MATERNAL DEATHS IN BONO REGION ON THE RISE.
The Bono Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Abdulai Abukari, has expressed concern over the increasing number of maternal deaths in the region, describing the situation as alarming.
According to Dr. Abukari, many mothers are dying from preventable causes, stressing that urgent interventions are needed if the region is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing the maternal mortality ratio to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
He made these remarks at this year's Health Summit organised by Sustainable Impact Makers International (SIMI), an international non-governmental organisation with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.
The summit was held in Sunyani under the theme, "Health Equity in Action: From Periods to Parenthood, for All."
Dr. Abukari identified the unequal distribution of health workers across the Bono Region as one of the major contributors to maternal deaths.
He noted that the region's Nurse Population Geographical Equity Index stood at 0.40 in 2025, while the Midwife-to-Women in Fertility Age (WIFA) Population Index was 0.22, both below the national target of 0.55.
He explained that nurses and midwives, who make up more than half of the region's health workforce, are concentrated in a few districts, leaving others severely understaffed. This, he said, has resulted in burnout, stress and reduced access to quality maternal healthcare in underserved communities.
Contributing to a panel discussion at the summit, the Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Paulina Appiah, highlighted the influence of religious and traditional beliefs on maternal health outcomes.
She observed that some women of reproductive age choose prayer camps instead of attending regular antenatal care at health facilities.
She also noted that some pregnant women refuse referrals to higher-level health facilities due to misconceptions and negative perceptions about those centres.
Dr. Appiah further identified the reluctance of some health professionals to accept postings to rural communities as another challenge affecting maternal healthcare delivery and contributing to maternal mortality.
The President and Founder of Sustainable Impact Makers International (SIMI), Dr. Evelyn Botwe, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes across communities.
She stated that SIMI's work extends beyond menstrual health and maternal health to include breast cancer awareness, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health.
According to her, the organisation's interventions are grounded in dignity, community empowerment and equitable access to healthcare resources.
Story by Yawson Duah Alhassan/Alrich24newsgh.blogspot.com



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