In its continuous bid to elevate the standard of maternal and newborn healthcare services across Ghana, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) handed over a diverse range of medical equipment to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on May 28, 2024. The ceremony, hosted at the GHS Headquarters, marked a significant milestone in bolstering Ghana's efforts towards enhancing the quality of care for mothers and their infants.

The donation consists various essential medical tools aimed at improving the healthcare landscape in four regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, and Volta. The assortment of equipment includes Cardiotocography (CTG) monitors, Autoclaves, Photo therapy machines, Digital Blood Pressure machines, Delivery beds, Mobile dopplers, and more, tailored to cater to the specific needs of maternal and newborn care.

Under the framework of the 'Quality of Care for Maternal and Newborn Health' project, implemented with a focus on 5S-KAIZEN-TQM principles, the collaborative effort between JICA and GHS aims to fortify the capacities of healthcare facilities within the designated regions. This strategic five-year initiative endeavors to enhance the delivery of top-tier maternal and newborn healthcare services, making strides towards achieving universal access to quality healthcare in Ghana.

Acknowledging the pivotal role that quality healthcare services play in realizing effective universal health coverage and advancing the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the significance of this collaborative project in promoting a culture of quality healthcare in Ghana. The project extends additional support by incorporating training on Ghana's Quality of Care standards, implementing Quality Improvement tools, fortifying the continuum of care, and bolstering the referral system.

At the handover ceremony, distinguished attendees included Mr. Oda Ryotaro, the Senior Representative of JICA Ghana, Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu, the Director of the Family Health Division at the Ghana Health Service, along with other esteemed Directors, underscoring the commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure for mothers and newborns in Ghana.