From Millenium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals: An Assessment Of Maternal Health In Ga South District

Abstract

Considering the global and national interests in improving maternal health as evident by Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) ,Ghana is still battling with maternal mortality despite several initiatives introduced in reversing the trend. The study, therefore, sought to assess maternal health in Ga South District and the strategies put in place to achieve the maternal health targets in the SDGs. The study used a qualitative research approach and a case study design. The techniques for the qualitative approach include focus group discussions for pregnant women and in-depth interviews for health personnel and traditional birth attendants in four selected health facilities in the district. Primary data was obtained from (57) respondents and analyzed thematically based on the objectives. Secondary data was obtained by reviewing the district‟s annual health report. The findings from the study indicate that maternal deaths have been increasing in the district despite several interventions introduced. The main causes are severe malaria haemorrhage, pregnancy- induced hypertension, abortions and anemia. The study found other challenges including financial constraints, illiteracy, weak staff strength, energy crises, poor attitudes of midwives, and poor infrastructure. New strategies introduced by the district to reduce maternal mortality include pregnancy school, focus antenatal, running 24-hours of service and the involvement of community nurses for follow-ups on clients. The study recommends continuous sensitization within the district aiming at educating pregnant women on the need to resort to antenatal services. Government should skew resources to enhance service delivery in the health service. Similarly, there should be consistent monitoring and evaluations to check the conditions of health centres. Executing programmes and policies must include a strong human resource base, future policies and programmes must consider required human resources before their implementation.