The Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate (TMHD) recorded seven maternal mortality cases in 2023, showing a significant reduction over the 23 documented in 2022. Ms Priscilla Aboagye-Mensah, a Public Health nurse at the Directorate’s Reproductive Health and Child Unit, disclosed this during the TMHD’s 2023 annual performance review.
She said that the reduction was a great achievement, looking at the trend of 23 and 25 each recorded for 2022, 2021-2020 respectively, adding that while 18 maternal deaths were seen in 2019, 31 were recorded in 2018 and 47 in 2017.
She said five of the 2023 deaths were recorded at the Tema General Hospital, explaining that out of those five, two were the hospital’s cases, while three were mothers who were transferred from other health institutions. She further said that the metropolis had recorded four maternal mortality cases at the end of November 2023, adding that the remaining three occurred in December.
She said even though they could not reach their target of below-five maternal deaths, reducing it to a single digit was impressive and a first step to curbing the rate. The public health nurse said some of the strategies put in place that led to the decline, included having staff on alert to identify possible risks that could lead to death and that training was also done for health workers to build their capacity on the issues.
She said maternal auditing was done every day, during which everything was checked, including the labour ward activities, to eliminate potential errors that could lead to more deaths, adding that it helped to identify gaps in and outside the cases for them to come up with recommendations to prevent fatalities.
This announcement by the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate (TMHD) of a significant reduction in maternal mortality cases in 2023 is a cause for celebration and commendation.
This noteworthy progress, as highlighted by Ms. Priscilla Aboagye-Mensah, underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to improve maternal healthcare services. It is indeed heartening to see such a substantial decline in maternal mortality rates, especially considering the challenging trends observed in previous years.
The commitment of healthcare workers in identifying potential risks, enhancing their capacity through training programs and implementing rigorous monitoring and auditing procedures deserves commendation. Their vigilance and dedication have undoubtedly played a crucial role in saving lives and ensuring better outcomes for mothers in Tema.
While the achievement of reducing maternal mortality to single digits is commendable, it is essential to acknowledge that there is still room for improvement. As Ms. Aboagye-Mensah rightly pointed out, the ultimate goal should be to strive for zero maternal deaths. This requires continued investment in maternal healthcare infrastructure, resources, and personnel, as well as a sustained focus on preventive measures and early intervention strategies.
Moreover, the success of Tema in reducing maternal mortality serves as a valuable example for other hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country. By sharing best practices, lessons learned, and successful strategies, these institutions can emulate Tema’s achievements and work towards similar improvements in maternal healthcare outcomes.
It is a milestone worth celebrating and serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing maternal health and investing in effective healthcare interventions. Let us continue to support and encourage efforts to improve maternal healthcare services, ensuring that every mother receives the quality care and support she deserves.
