Bolgatanga: Residents and health workers at the Dachio Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in the Bolgatanga East District have appealed to individuals, groups, and organizations to support the completion of a self-initiated maternity and child welfare block to improve maternal and child healthcare delivery.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Ramatu Halutie Ahmed, Katanga Sub-district Leader of the Ghana Health Service, and Mr. Lawrence Akurigo, Chairman of the Community Health Management Committee, made the appeal during a presentation of medical equipment donated by Alagumgube USA, a diaspora group based in the United States. The maternity block and weighing center, initiated by the community through its health committee in 2025 with funds from individual contributions, has stalled due to lack of funds. Parts of the structure are at lintel level, while other sections remain at foundation level.
Ms. Ahmed stated that the existing maternity and labor room was extremely small and inadequate for safe and dignified delivery of maternal health services. She explained that the new block was intended to address space constraints and serve as an antenatal care and child welfare center, providing shelter for mothers and children, especially during adverse weather conditions. "Currently, we weigh children under a tree. When it is raining, mothers are discouraged from bringing their children. We need a decent place where mothers can comfortably access services," she added.
Ms. Ahmed called on benevolent individuals, diaspora groups, and development partners to support the completion of the maternity and weighing center, emphasizing that even modest contributions could make a significant difference. She further highlighted accommodation challenges for staff, noting that service delivery areas were currently combined with residential spaces, compromising privacy and quality of care.
Ms. Ahmed also appealed for the establishment of a standard laboratory in the district, noting that pregnant women were often referred to Bolgatanga Municipality for basic investigations due to the absence of laboratory services in Bolgatanga East. "All pregnant women are referred to Bolgatanga Municipal for investigations. We do not know their hemoglobin levels or other basic indicators, and this is a major challenge for us," she said.
Mr. Akurigo, on his part, urged residents and stakeholders to continue supporting the project to ensure its completion and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the community.