Medical Director of St. Mary Theresa Hospital, Dr. Victory Ametepe, has announced that the hospital achieved zero maternal mortality rates for the years 2021, 2022, and the first half of 2023.
This remarkable accomplishment can be attributed to effective collaboration among stakeholders, the provision of excellent maternal care for prevention and timely treatment of complications, and the dedication of the hospital’s staff.
Dr. Ametepe shared this achievement during the Mid-year Performance Review Meeting of the Kadjebi District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), held in Kadjebi, Oti Region.
In terms of child mortality statistics, Dr. Ametepe noted that there were eight under-five deaths for the period under review, with six in 2022 and 17 in 2021. Infant deaths numbered eight for the same period, with four in 2022 and 11 in 2021. Regarding stillbirths, there were eight cases recorded as of mid-year 2023, compared to 13 cases in both 2022 and 2021. The number of fresh stillbirths was three in 2023, four in 2022, and two in 2021.
Regarding supervised deliveries, the hospital recorded 337 deliveries as of mid-year 2023, 352 in 2022, and 383 in 2021. Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) deliveries, on the other hand, registered zero for both 2023 and 2022, with six TBA deliveries in 2021. Antenatal care (ANC) registration figures were 211 in 2023, 229 in 2022, and 310 in 2021, with mothers attending their fourth ANC visit numbering 197, 177, and 181, respectively.
Mr. Damasus Ayangba, Deputy Regional Director, Administration, Oti Regional Health Directorate, commended the hospital for being the Overall Best Performing Hospital in the Oti Region in 2022. He assured them of continued logistical support from the regional directorate and encouraged health workers to maintain and improve their performance, as service to mankind is service to God.
Mr. Eric Nana Takyi, Kadjebi District Director of Health Services, emphasized that the mid-year performance review aimed to identify gaps and formulate strategies to address them. He noted that stillbirth rates had decreased from 18 percent in 2022 to 8 percent in the first half of 2023, while teenage pregnancy had also declined from 16 percent to 10 percent during the same period. However, neonatal deaths had risen to 8 percent from 2 percent in the corresponding period.
Nana Takyi highlighted the growing issue of substance and alcohol abuse in the district and called for a change to prevent potential increases in mental health challenges.
The ceremony also recognized four individuals and two sub-districts for their outstanding performance as COVID-19 vaccinators, which contributed to the district achieving its 70 percent vaccination target. Various units, including Health Promotion, Mental Health, Public Health, Nutrition, and Disease Control, made presentations during the event.