Accra: Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has announced that Ghana's maternal mortality ratio has seen a significant decline of approximately 75.2% from 2000 to 2023. This announcement was made during a meeting with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening maternal healthcare services and accelerating efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths under the M-MARP initiative.
According to Ghana Web, the initiative is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Health to address challenges contributing to maternal mortality and improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns. The latest estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partner agencies indicate that Ghana's maternal mortality ratio dropped from 943 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 234 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. This decline marks a 75.2% reduction, showcasing substantial progress in improving maternal healthcare in Ghana.
Despite the progress, Ghana's maternal mortality ratio remains above the Sustainable Development Goal and WHO benchmark of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. The statement from the engagement emphasized that reducing maternal deaths is not just about meeting international targets but also about preventing the avoidable loss of life among women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Maternal deaths have far-reaching consequences, affecting newborns, families, and communities.
The Ministry of Health's renewed focus on maternal healthcare aims to strengthen the systems and services necessary to identify and manage complications early, ensuring women have access to quality care when needed. The stakeholder engagement under the M-MARP initiative is expected to help identify gaps in maternal healthcare delivery and develop strategies to address them as Ghana works towards the 2030 target.