Protecting mothers and babies in Ghana

Gladys, a young mother from rural Ghana knows all too well that access to proper healthcare can be a matter of life and death for pregnant women and their children. Many of her friends have lost their babies because of how far it is to the nearest clinic. But they had no choice. 

“Most of us didn’t go to the checkups and other appointments because of the long distances we had to travel to get to the health centre,” she says. “Even though we knew its importance for our health” 

Having to walk up to 20 kilometers is simply too far for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five to reach a health professional. Critical appointments for antenatal care, child vaccinations and other health checks were regularly being missed, posing a serious threat to the health of mothers and their babies. Something had to be done. 

Bringing hope and solutions to Jaata 

Ghana Health Service and local leaders developed a number of solutions to improve maternal, newborn and child health services. They formed mother-to-mother support groups and held group discussions with them to understand their views and needs to ensure a comprehensive approach that works. 

The most transformative step was the construction of the Child Welfare Centre, which became a local, accessible hub for healthcare in the community. Children Believe and local partners worked to ensure that health workers and essential equipment were provided. Community trainings were also held to stress the importance of antenatal care and community participation in healthcare. 

Disrupting the future for better health outcomes 

The results of these interventions have been striking. In just one year, antenatal visits increased by over 53 percent, and the number of skilled deliveries rose from zero in 2022 to 15 in 2023. Exclusive breastfeeding rates also improved, climbing from 36 to 64 percent. 

“Our child welfare service is now very effective due to the comfort the women and children get at the facility,” says the resident nurse. “We are now in a position to conduct deliveries due to the construction of the clinic and therefore no more dangerous home deliveries by community members.” 

This work has been a priority for Children Believe because healthy mothers and babies lead to healthy futures for everyone. Many maternal and child health complications can be prevented or managed with access to proper and functional healthcare facilities, equipped with life-saving medicines, resources, and trained personnel. 

Give a mother and her newborn the best start by providing a newborn starter kit today.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.