Wa Municipality records Six Maternal Deaths in 6 months

Six women have died during childbirth in the Wa Municipality in the first half of 2025, sparking concern from health authorities despite notable improvements in other maternal and child health indicators.

Dr. Alex Bapula, the Wa Municipal Director of Health Services, disclosed the figures at the municipality’s 2025 half-year performance review, describing the situation as a “serious challenge” and warning that “we are all failing our women.”

“These mothers were not sick, they had no chronic condition. They came in thinking of joy after birth — and we lost them.”

Out of the six maternal deaths recorded, five involved women referred from other districts, highlighting Wa Municipality’s role as a referral centre for surrounding districts including the Savannah regions.

Dr. Bapula stressed that reducing maternal deaths cannot be left solely to the health system, urging collaboration among political leaders, traditional authorities, assembly members, and communities.

“Maternal deaths should not be put within the confines of health. It begins from society, from leaders, politicians, and the decisions we take,” he said.

The Director linked the challenge to broader systemic issues, including poor health infrastructure, inadequate space for maternal and child health services, shortage of logistics such as motorbikes for outreach, and the poor state of some CHPS compounds.

Despite the tragic losses, Dr. Bapula reported significant progress in other areas. Antenatal care coverage exceeded 90 percent, skilled birth attendance was at nearly 85 percent, and most childhood immunisation indicators improved except for Penta3 coverage, which remains a concern.

The municipality also reported a case of monkeypox during the period, prompting rapid response measures under the leadership of the Wa Municipal Assembly.

The maternal deaths directly threaten Ghana’s progress toward SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly target 3.1, which aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

The situation also intersects with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as Dr. Bapula called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to address the crisis.

“Moving forward this year, it will be important for us to have a stakeholder meeting to discuss this issue of maternal death, especially from the districts that these cases are being referred from,” he said.

Dr. Bapula urged the political leadership to prioritise maternal health infrastructure and community engagement, stressing that no mother should lose her life while giving life.