Bolgatanga: Health authorities from the Upper East, North East, and Northern Regions convened in Bolgatanga for a one-day conference aimed at reviewing maternal and child health indicators and developing strategies to reduce preventable deaths across northern Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the conference is part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Health Service and its partners to enhance health systems and support the country's goal of ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy beginnings for every child. In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, the meeting was described as a timely technical engagement designed to strengthen collaboration and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The conference gathered Regional Health Directors, clinicians, public health experts from the Tamale Teaching Hospital, development partners, and representatives of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) CHPS+ Project. Sponsored by the KOICA Project Management Service, the meeting focused on assessing health performance, identifying service delivery gaps, and agreeing on evidence-based interventions.
Dr. Abubakari commended the contributions of clinicians from the Tamale Teaching Hospital and thanked development partners, particularly KOICA, for their support in Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) and primary healthcare delivery. While acknowledging progress in maternal and child health, he noted that preventable maternal deaths, neonatal complications, and under-five mortality remain significant challenges in some districts.
Participants examined issues including skilled delivery coverage, antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, referral systems, and community-based interventions. Dr. Abubakari also called for improved data use, stronger emergency transport systems, enhanced skilled birth attendance, and intensified community education on maternal health. He expressed confidence that the conference would yield practical actions and stronger coordination to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the three northern regions.
The one-day conference is part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Health Service and its partners to strengthen health systems and advance the country's goal of ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy beginnings for every child. In a recorded video message, Mr. Donghyun Lee, Country Director of the KOICA Ghana Office, stated that the meeting provided an opportunity not only to review achievements but also to reflect on the challenges facing maternal, neonatal, and child health.
Mr. Lee noted that despite the efforts of the GHS, KOICA, and other development partners, progress in some key maternal, neonatal, and child health indicators had not met expectations. He emphasized the need for renewed commitment, stronger collaboration, and practical solutions.
Mr. Lee stressed that sustainable progress would require stronger ownership by health authorities, greater accountability among stakeholders, and evidence-based decision-making. He expressed optimism that the meeting would promote constructive dialogue and coordinated action to improve health outcomes for mothers, newborns, and children. The Country Director reaffirmed KOICA's commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana and the GHS in strengthening the country's health system and improving its resilience.