UN Ghana Welcomes PRIMER and Reaffirms Commitment to Maternal Health
UN Ghana joins the Government and people to launch PRIMER, strengthening maternal health and ensuring every woman has timely quality care to survive childbirth.
The United Nations is honoured to join the Government and people of Ghana for the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response—PRIMER.
Ghana has made important progress in ensuring that more women receive antenatal care, give birth with skilled health professionals present, and deliver in health facilities. These gains reflect sustained policy commitment, the efforts of health professionals across the country, and the determination of women and families themselves.
Still, maternal mortality remains unacceptably high. Behind every number is a woman whose life is cut short, a child who may grow up without a mother, and a family whose future is changed irrevocably.
This is why PRIMER is so very important. And I know how important it is to Ghana because this is a Presidential Initiative. Maternal health is about many things: what happens in a delivery room; whether a woman can reach care in time; whether essential medicines and blood are available; whether she is properly nourished; whether she has the information and agency to make decisions about her health; and whether services reach her wherever she lives.
The colleagues standing with me ** represent the breadth of the United Nations’ commitment to this maternal health. All are guided by the SDGs, but each brings distinct expertise. Together, we bring one commitment: to support Ghana to ensure that no woman dies giving life for want of timely, quality care.
They each do many things, but let me share some examples: WHO supports strengthening of health systems and quality health care standards. UNICEF brings its expertise on maternal, newborn and adolescent health. UNFPA has long experience working on sexual and reproductive health, midwifery and emergency obstetric care. WFP supports improved nutrition. UNDP brings expertise on governance, data and sustainable financing. UN Women helps advance women’s rights, agency and gender equality.
Together, we will work alongside the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Finance, local authorities, civil society, faith leaders, communities and the private sector.
Your Excellencies, the true measure of this initiative will be sustained implementation: that means stronger health services and workforce; reliable supplies; effective referral systems; adequate financing; and particular attention to women facing the greatest barriers.
The decision to place this initiative under presidential leadership sends a clear message: the life, dignity and wellbeing of every woman in Ghana matter.
The United Nations in Ghana stands ready to play its part. Thank you.
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Goals we are supporting through this initiative
