Ghana has invested GHS2 million in essential training equipment for two key midwifery institutions. This action forms part of a larger global initiative. The world needs 1 million more midwives by 2035. This is according to Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This investment aims to save over 4 million lives annually.
Midwives are vital health workers. They provide crucial care during pregnancy and childbirth. This is especially true in areas experiencing instability or crisis. Africa faces half of the global shortage of midwives. This makes the investment in Ghana particularly significant. Maternal death rates in Africa are among the highest worldwide. Expanding the midwifery workforce can transform health systems. It directly improves millions of lives by ensuring safer births and healthier newborns.
This investment fits into Ghana's broader health development strategy. The country is working to improve essential healthcare services. Prior efforts in 2023-2024 involved a nationwide assessment. This assessment identified critical needs in midwifery education. The Ministry of Health led this assessment. UNFPA supported this vital study. These actions build on a commitment to strengthen frontline healthcare providers.
The GHS2 million was jointly funded. It was part of the Midwifery Education and Practice Centres of Excellence Programme (MEPCEP). The equipment was distributed to the Midwifery and Nursing Training College at Korle-Bu. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Nursing and Midwifery also received support. These institutions are crucial for training the next generation of midwives.
Ms. Diene Keita highlighted the importance of investing in this workforce. She stated, "Strengthening investment in this mostly female workforce – through fair compensation and equitable career development opportunities – can help realise their full potential and enhance the quality of care that they can provide." Midwives are more cost-effective to train than physicians. They also offer continuous care in communities.
Dr. Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Ghana Country Representative, affirmed the partnership's value. He said, "What UNFPA Ghana and its partners are doing is strengthening the pillars, ensuring that midwives are better trained, better equipped, and better supported to practice to their full scope." These investments are achieving measurable results. These include fewer emergencies and reduced neonatal complications. More mothers are surviving childbirth. They can then fully participate in their families and national life. The initiative also promotes innovative technologies. These tools will further enhance midwife skills and decision-making.