KOICA, GHS partner to reduce maternal and newborn deaths

KOICA and GHS have launched a new partnership aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Central regions of Ghana. The collaboration, dubbed the "KOICA-RAMCA Network of Practice," is designed to address critical gaps in healthcare delivery in the next 4-5 years in beneficiary regions. The Korean government is committing 13 million US dollars on the project, which seeks to improve the network of practice.

The project aims to empower midwives and general nurses at CHPS compounds and health centers at the primary healthcare level by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitudes. It will be implemented alongside a clinical mentorship program, where experts from teaching and district hospitals will ensure that complications are managed effectively at the local level, reducing the need for unnecessary referrals. Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng said the project seeks to provide clinical mentorship and capacity building, leadership and governance, as well as logistics.

Dr. Adomako-Boateng explained that midwives and nurses providing care at primary health centers will have their skills, attitude, and knowledge improved as they receive mentorship from experts from district and teaching hospitals. He also stated that leadership training would be advanced to frontline health workers to adequately equip midwives in charge of maternity units, while essential supplies such as life-saving medicines and diagnostic services will be provided. The project is built on accountability and will be tied with measurable performance with a broader goal of ensuring quality primary healthcare services to underserved populations.