Accra, GHANA— On May 22, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID/Ghana) Health Office Director, Ms. Janean Davis, gave remarks at the launch of the Newborn Care Policy (2019-2023) at Erata Hotel, Accra. She was joined by Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service representatives, as well as representatives from the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The policy will guide the delivery of neonatal and child health services in Ghana, to offer timely and quality health services and prevent neonatal and child mortality. 

Over the last decade, maternal and child health services have improved in Ghana. Ninety-eight percent of women in Ghana attend antenatal care, which is a critical time to treat and prevent potential health delivery complications. Seventy-nine percent of births are assisted by a skilled provider, and nationwide, deliveries in health facilities have increased from 54% in 2007 to 79% in 2017. However, neonatal mortality continues to be a challenge. In Ghana, every 25 newborns die for every 1,000 live births, and many of these deaths are easily preventable.

USAID supports the Government of Ghana to implement high-impact newborn interventions, including antibiotics for cord care to reduce neonatal sepsis; the initiation of breastfeeding at birth; and the correct practice of Kangaroo Mother Care (a method of newborn care in which babies are kept skin-to-skin with a parent, typically their mother). USAID’s partnership with the Government of Ghana supported the construction of 26 community health facilities and the renovation of 50 facilities in the Volta and Northern regions, which include labor wards and housing accommodations for a midwife. In 2017, USAID supported a multi-country situation analysis of inpatient care of newborns and young infants in Africa and Southeast Asia, which informed the Newborn Strategy. In her remarks, Ms. Davis reiterated the United States of America’s support for neonatal and child health interventions in Ghana by stating, “The U.S. Government remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting high quality care for women and children across Ghana. Investing in
newborns is not only a moral obligation, it is also a smart economic investment, to ensure the future prosperity of this nation. Ensuring the future generation thrives into a productive workforce is a necessary step to Ghana’s journey to self-reliance. ”

About USAID

USAID is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID's activities and strategic partnerships promote Ghana's journey to self-reliance and advances an integrated approach to development by promoting accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.