Akatsi South Achieves Zero Maternal Deaths Over Three Years but Faces Rising HIV Cases

Akatsi: The Akatsi South Municipal Health Directorate has revealed that there were zero maternal deaths from 2023 to June 2025.According to Ghana News Agency, antenatal care registrants saw a 63.3 percent increase from 1,071 in 2024 to 1,236 in 2025 during the January to June health performance review.In contrast, teenage pregnancy showed a minor decline from 161 in 2024 to 152 in 2025 during the same review period. This information was disclosed during a half-year health performance review presentation by health officials from the Municipal Health Directorate at the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly Hall.Under maternal health services, 2023 recorded the highest number of 1,071 skilled deliveries, compared to 1,039 in 2024 and 1,029 in 2025. The report further detailed that there were 1,039 deliveries in 2024 versus 1,029 in 2025, representing 54 and 52.7 percent respectively.Concerning HIV testing and counselling, Ms. Sefakor Justine Alornyo, the Akatsi South Director of Health, disclosed that 66 n ew HIV cases were identified compared to 51 in 2024. The latest figures include 45 females and 21 males identified between January and June. All identified HIV-positive individuals are currently receiving treatment, including 9 pregnant women and 5 babies who are on prophylaxis.Ms. Alornyo also highlighted that all 1,029 deliveries in the municipality received immunizations with BCG, Penta, and Measles-Rubella vaccines. However, a key issue of concern remains the high teenage pregnancy rates in Akatsi South Municipality. The year under review recorded a total of 339 teenage pregnancies, including 2 girls aged 10-14 and 144 teenage deliveries, one of which was from a girl aged 10-14.