The First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has reiterated government’s commitment to invest in healthcare services to drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality rate in the country.

She said government had put in resources to improve health infrastructure, road network and other logistics across the country and, therefore, entreated health workers to give off their best to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs 4&5).

She advised expectant mothers to promptly report any uncomfortable situation experienced during pregnancy to the nearest health facility for medical attention before complications set in.

Mrs Mahama said this at a durbar to mark this year’s International Day of the Midwife in Takoradi on Tuesday.

The event, which was held on the theme: “Midwives: For a Better Tomorrow,” brought together midwives, queen mothers, ladies associations and other health professionals across the country.

The First Lady commended health professionals, especially midwives, for their indispensable contributions towards promoting quality healthcare, family planning, childbirth services and safe delivery in the country to accelerate national development.

She said as a mother, she had benefited from the services of midwives over the years and lauded those who accepted postings to deprived communities for their patriotism and service to humanity.

The First Lady said the Lordina Foundation, her personal initiative, was supplementing government efforts at delivering quality health services to Ghanaians, including preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, breast and cervical cancer and co-ordinated other health projects across the country to facilitate quality healthcare.

She said 15 years ago, there were 900 deaths per 100,000 live births, but as a result of government’s efforts, it had reduced to about 300 deaths per 100,000 live births and entreated all stakeholders to help reduce infant and maternal mortality to zero per cent.

The President of Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), Mrs Joyce Jetuah, said the contribution of midwives to the health needs of Ghanaians was crucial, especially safe pregnancy and delivery, managing minor ailments of the populace and women’s health in general.

She said midwives worked under harsh conditions in deprived communities and appealed to the Government to support them with the necessary logistics, including training opportunities to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

Mrs Jetuah appealed to the various metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) to support midwives and other health workers posted to their areas with accommodation facilities.

She said members of the association would continue to provide innovative health services to ensure the safety of expectant mothers and promote maternal healthcare for sustainable development.

Mrs Jetuah entreated midwives to be professional in dealing with their clients, develop self-awareness and be guided by the sensitivity of their clients’ health needs.

Mr Felix Kwame Nyanteh, the Registrar of the National Midwifery Council, said with the changing health requirements of Ghanaians, there was the need for midwives to be proactive and professional at all times.

He said the Council would train quality midwives through reviewing the curricular of the midwifery training programme adding that it had introduced courses such as Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship Skills and Nursing Informatics in conformity with the Health Regulatory Act 857 2013, and entreated midwives to acquaint themselves with the new course content.