The West Gonja Municipal Health Directorate (WGMHD) has reported a significant reduction in maternal mortality, bringing the rate down to zero from a previous 187.4 per live birth.
This achievement was disclosed by the Municipal Director for health services, Madam Gertrude Yentumi during the WGMHD’s 2024 First Half Performance Review, held on August 13th.
Addressing attendees, the West Gonja Municipal Health Director, Madam Gertrude Yentumi acknowledged the dedication of health staff and the support from various partners in achieving this milestone. “It has actually taken great sacrifice and commitment by the health personnel, policymakers, and stakeholders to bring the directorate this far,” she said.
According to her, the directorate recorded other notable achievements such as the reduction of neonatal mortality from 6.5 to 5.2 per 1,000 live births and a decrease in teenage pregnancies from 13.1% to 12.6%.
She also disclosed that, various immunization coverage rates saw improvements, with PENTA 3 coverage increasing from 89% to 99% and OPV3 from 83% to 87%.
Madam Yentumi also highlighted infrastructure developments, including the construction and handover of a well-equipped maternity ward at Larabanga Health Centre. She also disclosed that, the municipality received seven motorbikes to enhance mobility for health workers across the municipality.
She however noted that, the directorate still faces several challenges, including the refusal of postings to facilities outside Damongo, inadequate community health nurses, and a worrying rise in both non-communicable and communicable diseases. Specifically, hypertension and diabetes cases have increased, with hypertension cases rising from 302 in 2023 to 447 in 2024, and typhoid cases escalating from 1,489 to 1,687 over the same period.
Despite these challenges, Madam Yentumi reaffirmed the directorate’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, guided by the theme of “Data Quality for Informed Decision Making to Achieve Universal Health Coverage.” She called on all health staff to prioritize quality data collection and urged intersectoral collaboration to address the municipality’s health needs.
As the meeting concluded, gratitude was extended to the RDHS and partners such as World Vision Ghana, CRS, Savannah Signatures, and FHI 360 for their continuous support in logistics, training, and resources to enhance healthcare services in West Gonja.
Madam Yentumi’s concluding remarks highlighted the unwavering dedication of the municipal health workers, sub-municipal leaders, and selfless health volunteers who continue to serve in difficult conditions.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
