Implementation Challenges of the Millenium Development Goal to Improve Maternal Health by Health Care Providers in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the implementation challenges of the Millennium Development Goal to improve maternal health in the Tamale Metropolis. The study used a qualitative descriptive study. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of participants for the study. The methods for data collection included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a review of documents. The study participants included midwives and health managers at the facility level. The study revealed that the implementation challenges in improving maternal health care in the Tamale Metropolis are inadequate in-service training, limited knowledge of health policies by midwives, increase workload, risks of infection, low motivation, inadequate labour wards, problem with transportation, and difficulties in following the procurement act, among others. Implementation of maternal health interventions should take into consideration the environment or the context under which the interventions are implemented by health care providers to ensure they are successful to improve maternal health in the Tamale Metropolis. The study recommends the involvement of midwives in the health policy development process to secure their support and commitment towards successful implementation of maternal health interventions.