Upper West records 45% drop in maternal deaths ahead of free healthcare rollout
The Upper West Region has recorded a significant decline in maternal deaths, with the maternal mortality ratio falling by nearly 45%, as the region prepares to introduce Free Primary Healthcare across 10 municipalities and districts serving approximately 790,000 people.
Health officials believe the initiative could significantly improve healthcare delivery, but say its success will depend on strong collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that no community is excluded.
Speaking at the Mid-Year Health Sector Review, Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Josephat Nyuzagl, revealed that the region’s maternal mortality ratio had declined from 87.82 to 48.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, representing a 45% reduction.
He also reported a decline in anaemia among pregnant women and an increase in deliveries conducted by skilled health professionals.
Dr Nyuzagl said healthcare utilisation had also improved, while construction of the regional oxygen plant had been completed. Installation of the necessary equipment is expected to be finished within eight weeks.
The Regional Health Director said the region was ready for the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare programme introduced by President John Mahama in April 2026.
The first phase will cover 10 of the Upper West Region’s 11 municipalities and districts, representing approximately 78% of the region’s population.
As part of preparations, the region has received 853 pieces of equipment across 72 categories and interviewed 199 health professionals for deployment.
Dr Nyuzagl described the programme as an investment in equity and human capital rather than charity.
However, he pointed to infrastructure and accommodation shortages as key challenges that could affect the delivery of primary healthcare services.
He noted that several Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) zones do not have proper compounds or accommodation for health officers, making it difficult to position healthcare workers close to the communities they serve.
He also announced new Ghana Health Service measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras at health facilities, compulsory staff identification cards and enhanced security arrangements.
Representing the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Chief Director Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray said the Free Primary Healthcare programme had the potential to improve healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of residents.
She said the mid-year review provided an opportunity to assess the region’s performance while preparing stakeholders for the new healthcare initiative.
She urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to allocate adequate resources to healthcare in their budgets and called on traditional and religious leaders to support health education within their communities.
On maternal and child health, she stressed the need to eliminate preventable deaths, insisting that every woman, child and family should have access to quality healthcare when needed.
She further called for greater emphasis on disease prevention, noting that preventing illnesses is generally more effective and less expensive than treating advanced conditions.
With equipment supplied, health workers being prepared for deployment and an implementation plan in place, health authorities say the Upper West Region is ready for a smooth rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare programme.
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