The Ahafo-Ano South District recorded zero maternal death for this year, compared with six deaths in 2011, Dr Reuben Bedzrah, the District Director of Health Services, has announced.

He said dedication to work by health professionals and quick referral of serious health cases to well-equip health facilities contributed to the success.

Dr. Bedzrah also mentioned special training in life saving skills for midwives and sensitization of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to refer difficult labour cases to the nearest health facility.

He was speaking at a ceremony held to reward some health workers for their outstanding performance at Mankranso.

Dr. Bedzrah said malaria cases have reduced from 46.4 per cent to 43 per cent as of the end of the first half of 2012, on the heels of free distribution of 78,456 treated bed nets to households in the district.

He said the District Health Services would establish three additional Community Health Planning Services compounds to promote health in the area.

Dr. Bedzrah complained about poor roads and the lack of vehicles, which he said were challenging efforts to improve health.

Mr Patrick Fiagbe, Ashanti Regional Transport Manager of the Ghana Health Service, commended the health workers for their dedication to duty in spite of difficulties, and gave the assurance that the national ambulance service would be strengthened.