Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has presented essential medical supplies and equipment worth $500,000 to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to strengthen maternal, newborn and child healthcare delivery across northern Ghana.
The items, which included medications, diagnostic kits, delivery equipment and infection-prevention materials, would support 125 health facilities across the Northern, Upper East, Savannah and North East regions.
The initiative forms part of the Holistic Opportunities for Positive Engagement in Maternal and Child Health (HOPE-MCH) Project, a $3.5 million programme funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in collaboration with the CRS, The Hunger Project, MAP International, the National Ambulance Service, GHS and Vitamin Angels.
The project is aimed at improving access to essential health care for pregnant women, mothers, and children under three years old while addressing key barriers to maternal and child well-being.
Presentation
Presenting the items at a brief ceremony in Tamale last Friday, the Country Director of CRS, Abena Amedormey, said the gesture would fill critical gaps in the availability of essential maternal and child healthcare resources.
She said CRS remained committed to strengthening Ghana’s health systems, supporting frontline health workers and saving the lives of mothers and children, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
“Maternal and neonatal mortality continue to be major health concerns in Ghana. According to the Ghana Health Service, maternal mortality remains highest in northern Ghana due to delayed access to care, shortages of essential medical supplies and weak referral systems,” she said.
Ms Amedormey indicated that the intervention would complement earlier support provided under the HOPE-MCH Project.
That, she said, included the provision of 20 modified motor-tricycle ambulances, renovation of 29 health facilities, and the supply of 10 motorcycles to strengthen emergency response and referral systems.
She added that CRS would also train selected midwives and neonatal intensive care unit heads on the use and maintenance of specialised equipment and support the establishment of revolving fund mechanisms for medication management to ensure accountability and long-term sustainability.
Healthcare delivery
Receiving the items on behalf of the Ministry of Health, the Deputy Director of Nursing, Evelyn Amoako, said the supplies would significantly improve service readiness and the quality of healthcare delivery.
She highlighted the government’s intention to implement a free primary healthcare policy aimed at removing financial barriers and improving access to essential services.
“When mothers can attend antenatal clinics and hospitals without worrying about cost, we can prevent complications, save lives and build a healthier generation,” she said, assuring CRS of responsible utilisation of the donated items.
The Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Chrysantus Kubio, said the items would help to close equity gaps in access to maternal and child health care across the region.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, commended CRS for its sustained investment in the region’s healthcare system and urged continued collaboration to ensure lasting improvements.
Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh
