Challenges Faced by Pregnant Women in Northern Ghana Amidst Aid Cuts
The women forced to risk death so their babies can live – and the fight to help them
Image: The Independent
In northern Ghana's Upper East Region, pregnant women face perilous journeys to give birth, often crossing rivers and enduring unsafe conditions. The situation worsens due to significant cuts in international aid, affecting maternal health services and leading to increased risks during childbirth.
- 01Women in northern Ghana often cross rivers and face treacherous paths to reach clinics, risking their lives during childbirth.
- 02Cuts in international aid, particularly from the US and UK, have severely impacted maternal health services in Ghana.
- 03Research indicates that improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) could significantly reduce maternal sepsis cases and deaths.
- 0498% of health center births in Ghana occur without basic sanitation, and one-third lack water access entirely.
- 05WaterAid and local authorities are working on projects to improve healthcare infrastructure in remote communities.
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In the Upper East Region of Ghana, pregnant women endure dangerous journeys to maternity clinics, often crossing swollen rivers or navigating muddy paths while in labor. Dorcas Azongo, who recently gave birth to twins after a harrowing trip, exemplifies the struggles faced by many. The situation is exacerbated by significant cuts to international aid, particularly following the dismantling of programs by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in early 2025. As a result, maternal health services have deteriorated, with women often delivering without proper sanitation or water access. Research shows that improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) could halve the burden of maternal sepsis in Ghana, which currently sees over 100,000 cases annually. Local initiatives, such as WaterAid's Good Health Begins Here project, aim to enhance healthcare facilities by installing solar-powered water systems and improving sanitation. However, until these changes are implemented, many women continue to face life-threatening risks during childbirth.
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The lack of safe childbirth conditions and adequate healthcare facilities significantly endangers the lives of pregnant women in northern Ghana.
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