Health authorities in the Bono Region are intensifying efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths, following worrying statistics recorded in recent years.
At the Kwatire Government Hospital, a new pregnancy school has been introduced as part of measures to educate expectant mothers on safe delivery practices and proper maternal care.
Medical Superintendent Daniel Gunguni revealed that the initiative was driven by the region’s maternal mortality figures, which stood at 38 cases in 2025. He stressed that regular antenatal and postnatal care, alongside family support—particularly from husbands—was crucial in reducing complications during childbirth.
The intervention coincides with the commissioning of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the facility, aimed at improving survival rates among newborns, especially preterm babies.
However, hospital authorities say the unit remains under-resourced. Elizabeth Sofaah, Head of the NICU, noted that while the unit currently has two incubators, more critical equipment is needed to effectively manage the growing number of neonatal cases.
Despite recording only one maternal death at the facility in 2025, the hospital continues to receive complicated referrals from surrounding communities, highlighting broader systemic challenges.
Health officials have therefore stepped up community outreach programmes, including home visits and public education campaigns, to encourage early and consistent healthcare-seeking behaviour among pregnant women.
Authorities are appealing to stakeholders and the public to support the hospital with essential equipment, as part of a broader effort to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.
