LifeNet International Launches Maternal Health Initiative in Ghana

Tamale: LifeNet International, a faith-based NGO, has launched the Enhanced Post Partum Hemorrhage (PPH) Prevention using Heat Stable Carbetocin project aimed at reducing maternal mortality.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Idris Buabeng, Country Director of LifeNet International, highlighted during the launch in Tamale that the one-year project is supported by a coalition of partners, including FERRING pharmaceuticals (Project Family - Safe Birth) and the Catalytic Opportunity Fund (COF). It is being implemented by LifeNet International in collaboration with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).The project is being rolled out in 55 health facilities across 10 regions of the country. Mr. Shep Owen, President of LifeNet International, noted that annually, approximately 14 million women experience Post Partum Hemorrhage, leading to about 70,000 maternal deaths worldwide. He pointed out that in Ghana, PPH accounts for roughly 30 percent of maternal mortality, with challenges such as inadequate access to quality uterotonic drugs and poor pharmaceutical management.Mr. Owen emphasized LifeNet International's mission to transform health facilities across Africa to provide sustainable healthcare and save lives. Mr. Peter Ayamba, Director of Health for the Navorongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, remarked on the improvements in health worker performance and patient care due to LifeNet International's activities. He also mentioned that LifeNet's efforts are encouraging health workers to remain in and serve remote and underserved areas.Dr. James Duah, Deputy Executive Director of CHAG, commended LifeNet International for its support in enhancing the training of health workers at CHAG member facilities. He urged health facility managers to leverage LifeNet International's support to improve their facilities.Dr. Vishal Shah, Medical and Real-world Evidence Director at Project Family - Safe Birth, stated FERRING's commitment to increasing access to heat-stable carbetocin, describing it as a potential brea kthrough in reducing maternal deaths due to bleeding after childbirth. Miss Atieno Jalang'o, Africa Project Coordinator for Project Family - Safe Birth, reiterated FERRING's goal of saving 20 million women by 2030 through affordable access to heat-stable carbetocin in low and lower-middle-income countries.As part of the initiative, midwives, nurses, and clinicians are receiving training in the latest methods for effective prevention and management of Post Partum Hemorrhage, utilizing strategies such as the E-MOTIVE approach and Heat Stable Carbetocin.