North East Regional Health Directorate Conducts 2024 Performance Review Meeting

The North East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service held its 2024 performance review meeting to assess its healthcare initiatives and outcomes. The meeting highlighted both achievements, such as improved maternal health indicators, and challenges like rising stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates. Key stakeholders, including international partners, participated in discussions to enhance healthcare delivery moving forward.

The North East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has convened the 2024 annual performance review meeting in Nalerigu to assess its achievements and challenges over the past year. This two-day event was themed “Rational Management of Health Workforce towards Achieving Quality Universal Health Coverage” and included participants from various health sectors, such as traditional and religious leaders, as well as notable partners like KOICA and UNICEF.

Dr. Braimah Abubakari Baba, the North East Regional Director, highlighted significant progress in healthcare delivery, focusing on the Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030. However, he noted a slight decrease in total Out-Patient Department attendance from 498,448 in 2023 to 484,444 in 2024, reflecting a 2.8 percent drop. Antenatal care registration in the first trimester showed improvement, rising from 40.6 percent to 42.3 percent.

The number of total deliveries in the region also decreased from 21,086 in 2023 to 20,553 in 2024. Notably, the institutional maternal mortality ratio improved from 51 to 48 per 100,000 live births, surpassing the UHC target of 70. Nonetheless, Dr. Baba expressed concern over the rise in stillbirth rates to 9.1 percent and increased neonatal mortality to six per 1,000 live births, which marked a significant 29.8 percent rise.

Challenges such as incomplete health infrastructure continue to obstruct quality healthcare delivery, as the North East region remains without a regional medical store, relying instead on the Northern Region for essential supplies. Mr. Ibrahim Tia, the Regional Minister, commended the GHS for its dedication to quality care while reaffirming government support to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Miss Myeongseon Kim, representing KOICA, reiterated the Korean Government’s commitment to healthcare in Ghana, citing projects aimed at enhancing health security and improving maternal and child healthcare. She stressed the importance of strengthening workforce capacity and promoting community engagement. The Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, represented at the event, recognized the GHS’s ongoing commitment to healthcare quality and the necessity of fostering peace and stability in the region.

The North East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has conducted an in-depth review of its 2024 performance, revealing both successes and challenges in healthcare delivery. While there has been progress in antenatal care and decreased maternal mortality rates, concerns regarding stillbirths and neonatal mortality remain critical. Continued support from both the government and international partners, alongside structural improvements, are essential for advancing healthcare outcomes in the region.

Original Source: gna.org.gh