Gov't launch PRIMER, aimed to reduce maternal deaths in Ghana

The Government of Ghana has launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER), a five-year multisectoral programme aimed at accelerating efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve emergency care for women before, during and after childbirth.

The initiative was officially launched by the Vice President, H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, under the theme: “No Woman Should Die While Giving Life.”

Deputy Health Minister, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah joined the Vice President and other stakeholders at the launch, as government and partners renewed their commitment to strengthening Ghana’s maternal healthcare system and improving timely access to quality emergency services.

As part of PRIMER, the Ministry of Health has integrated the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP) as its fifth pillar, with emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare, referral systems and emergency response mechanisms.

Available figures indicate that 965 institutional maternal deaths were recorded in 2025, with the maternal mortality ratio estimated at about 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting the need for sustained and coordinated interventions.

MMARP has set a target of achieving a 20 percent annual reduction in maternal mortality over the next three years through collaboration among health professionals, communities, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and government institutions.

The PRIMER initiative is expected to provide a coordinated framework for addressing the systemic challenges contributing to maternal deaths while strengthening the capacity of health facilities and emergency response systems.

The overarching objective is to protect mothers, improve the responsiveness of Ghana’s health system and ensure that women receive timely and quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.

Story by: Joshua Kobby Smith