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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Debate

Millennium development Goal 5: progress and challenges in reducing maternal deaths in Ghana

Authors: Minerva Kyei-Nimakoh, Mary Carolan-Olah, Terence V. McCann

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

High maternal deaths in developing countries are recognised as a public health issue. To address this concern, targets were set as part of the Millennium Development Goals, launched in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly. However, despite focused efforts, the maternal health targets in developing regions may not be achieved by 2015.

Discussion

We highlight progress and challenges in reducing maternal deaths, with a particular focus on Ghana. We discuss key issues like the free maternal healthcare package, transportation and referral concerns, human resources challenges, as well as the introduction of direct-entry midwifery training and the Community-based Health and Planning Services rolled out to specifically help curb poor maternal health outcomes.

Summary

A key contribution to the country’s slow progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goal 5 is that policy choices have often been in response to emergency or advancing problems rather than the use of preventive measures. Ghana can benefit greatly from long-term preventive strategies, the development of human resources, infrastructure and community health education.
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Metadata
Title
Millennium development Goal 5: progress and challenges in reducing maternal deaths in Ghana
Authors
Minerva Kyei-Nimakoh
Mary Carolan-Olah
Terence V. McCann
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0840-0

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