PRIMER launched to strengthen Ghana’s response to maternal health emergencies
Written by; Regina Bless
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, has launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER), a five-year initiative aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths in Ghana.
The launch brought together government officials, representatives of the United Nations, traditional leaders, health professionals and other stakeholders committed to improving maternal healthcare across the country.
Developed under the leadership of the Senior Presidential Advisor on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in collaboration with UNFPA and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), PRIMER seeks to strengthen Ghana’s ability to respond effectively to maternal health emergencies.
Ghana has made progress in expanding access to maternal healthcare, with more women receiving antenatal care, delivering at health facilities and benefiting from skilled healthcare professionals. However, preventable maternal deaths remain a major concern.
The initiative therefore places emphasis not only on access but also on quality, preparedness and timely emergency response. This includes ensuring the availability of skilled health professionals, essential medicines and blood, reliable transportation, effective communication and functional referral systems.
PRIMER also recognises that maternal health emergencies cannot be addressed by the health sector alone. Roads, transportation, communication between health facilities and community awareness can all determine how quickly a woman receives life-saving care.
The initiative aims to bring these critical areas together under a coordinated framework, with stronger accountability for results.
The ultimate goal is clear: to reduce preventable maternal deaths and ensure that more mothers survive pregnancy and childbirth and return home safely with their babies.
The initiative also acknowledges the dedication of health professionals across Ghana who continue to provide essential maternal healthcare and respond to emergencies every day.