The Upper West Regional Minister, Hafiz Bin Salih (PhD) has expressed worry over the high rate of maternal and infant mortalities in his region.
According to him, the phenomenon is not only worrying but also bad news for the Region.
Addressing Journalists in Accra on Sunday, he said "The baseline of maternal mortalities in 2016 stood at 118.6 per 100,000LD but in 2022, it now stands at 65.4 per 100,000LB. Infant mortalities was 8.6 per 1 000 on 2016 while it rose to 10.3 per 1,000LB"
He further said "However, maternal and infant mortalities are still high. The RCC will continue to work with the GHS & other Dev’t Partners to further improve these indicators"
ONE-CONSTITUENCY-ONE-AMBULANCE
Touching on the One Constituency-One Ambulance Programme, he revealed that his region in 2020, was blessed with 13 new ambulances.
He also mentioned that all constituencies in the regional have functional ambulances to convey patience to referral facilities.
PERFORMANCE OF CRITICAL HEALTH INDICATORS
Stressing on performance of critical health indicators, the Minister explained that some major health indicators have seen improvement.
Betwwen the indicator baseline 2016 and the current situation, he hinted that number of doctors which used to be 48, has currently risen to 79.
The Minister noted that Medical Assistants which stood at 58 in 2016 are currently 60.
"Number of Nurses (All categories) in 2016 was 2,372 however, it has now shot up to 4,829. Maternal mortality 118.6 per 100,000LB in 2016 now stands at 65.4 per 100,00LB"
"Number of infant mortality 8.6 per 1,000LB has risen to 10.3 per 1,000LB"
COVID 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The Minister revealed that his region has also successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic and currently do not have any active case.
He also mentioned that other Communicable diseases such as Cerebra-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) have been successfully managed.
WATER & SANITATION URBAN WATER EXPANSION
"In 2017 H.E Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned the Jambusi Water Treatment Plant which drastically increased water production for Wa"
He explained that as part of efforts to extend urban water supply, the GWCL during the period under review embarked on various projects.
The Minister told Journalists that the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) undertook Phase I (2019), Phase II (2019) & Phase III (2020) of Pipeline Mains Extension totaling GHc5,668,444.65. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
He hinted that Fifty-Six (56) Kilometers length of pipeline have since been laid.
"This has increased urban water coverage to communities in & around Wa (Bamahu, Mangu, Sombo, Kumbiehi, Danku, Napogbakole, Kponpaala, Fongo/Wapaani, Kpaguri, Tendamba, Chorkor, Loho, Degu/Tampaalipaani, Dobile, Dokpong, Airport Residencial, Zindelle, Bilibou/Regional Hospital area and Kparisaga)"
RURAL WATER COVERAGE
The Minister stated that with a USD45.7 million Additional Financing from IDA/World Bank, some major investments have been undertaken in the rural water sector.
"Rehabilitation and Expansion of 2No. Small Town Piped Water Systems at Lambussie & Happa valued at GH¢10,240,845.28. 250 boreholes fitted with hand pumps in 231 communities in five districts valued at GH¢5,488,686.96.
The beneficiary districts include Jirapa, Lawra, Nandom, Sissala West & Daffiama/Bussie/Issa
Other projects under the same funding include construction of 6No. packaged water treatment plants for piped water systems valued at GH¢5,359,838.68 which have been completed.
He revealed that these are located at Lawra, Nandom(2), Nadowli,Gwollu & Goripie.
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