In the wake of persistent challenges surrounding maternal mortality, despite a decline in recent decades, there remains an urgent need for concerted efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal Target of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Contributing factors to maternal mortality in Ghana encompass inadequate awareness of the benefits of antenatal care (ANC) and facility-based childbirth, socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, and limited access to quality healthcare in remote regions.
Of particular concern is the reluctance of women in Northern Ghana to seek maternal healthcare, often attributed to financial constraints from partners and mothers-in-law, cultural practices delaying the initiation of ANC, and insufficient birth preparedness.
In response to these challenges, Prof. Aaron Abuosi initiated a DIWA-funded intervention aimed at encouraging early prenatal care seeking and advocating for modern maternal healthcare practices among pregnant women and their communities while acknowledging local customs.
As part of our series of Dissemination events aimed at sharing the findings of studies we have funded, which directly inform policy-making, we convened last week on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Ministry of Health.
During the dissemination, Prof. Charles Amoatey, Director of the DIWA initiative, highlighted DIWA’s mission of supporting evidence generation to inform policy decisions in the subregion. He outlined DIWA’s intentions to collaborate with other ministries to evaluate flagship programmes in the country and refine associated policies.
Richard Otoo, DIWA’s research and evaluation manager, also highlighted additional studies commissioned by DIWA to be shared later in the year with relevant ministries. He emphasized DIWA’s commitment to funding researchers in the subregion to conduct impact evaluations.
Representatives from the Ministries present at the dissemination affirmed how the study findings would shape policies surrounding maternal care and enhance the effectiveness of their work.
Prof. Abuosi, the principal investigator, delivered an engaging presentation during the dissemination, sharing insights from his study, including barriers associated with maternal care (including traditional and cultural beliefs), the impact of the intervention, and proposed strategies to enhance maternal health in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
By leveraging rigorous research and evaluation, we aim to shape policies that not only improve access to maternal healthcare but also enhance its effectiveness and impact. As we move forward, our collective aim is to facilitate positive change and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in Ghana, ultimately ensuring the well-being of mothers and their children across the country.
