National Programme Officer for Reproductive Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Healthy Aging at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ghana, Dr. Katherine Attoh says the health of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all.
She notes that based on current trends, a staggering 4 out of 5 countries are off track to meet targets for improving maternal survival by 2030 adding that 1 in 3 will fail to meet targets for reducing newborn deaths.
Speaking in an interview to mark the commencement of a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health, she urged governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being
This year’s World Health Day observed annually on April 7 is being commemorated under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Dr. Katherine Attoh noted that the “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” campaign is a clarion call for government, health professionals, and communities to strengthen their commitments to maternal and newborn health.
The campaign urges for wider information sharing on healthy pregnancies, safer births, and stronger postnatal care, along with long-term health support for women.
According to Dr. Attoh, this year’s campaign is not just about awareness, it’s about action. It’s a reminder that every child deserves a healthy start, and every mother deserves quality care and dignity at every stage of the reproductive journey.
Sharing insights into WHO’s critical role in Ghana’s health sector Dr. Attoh, explained that WHO supports key areas such as policy development, health financing, and emergency response to ensure the health of mothers and children.
She also underscored the need for investment in maternal and child health emphasizing “we need to advocate for government, civil society organisations, for donors and everyone to invest in maternal and child health. Pregnant women should be given that support.”
She also elaborated that the campaign would urge government and the health community to ramp up efforts to end maternal and newborn deaths and by sharing useful information to support healthy pregnancies and births, and better postnatal health to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being to ensure quality care for all.
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Source: Monique Muller/ATLFMNEWS
