Samira Bawumia saves lives: Records zero maternal and neonatal deaths in Saboba through “Safe Delivery Project”

The Safe Delivery Project, led by Second Lady Hajia Samira Bawumia, has achieved a historic milestone in the Saboba District. There were zero institutional maternal and neonatal deaths during the project’s implementation.

This achievement was celebrated at a grand durbar in Saboba. The event included government officials, health professionals, religious leaders, and expectant mothers.

Launched in May 2018 by Mrs. Bawumia, the project aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. It promotes safe delivery practices in underserved communities across Ghana.

As part of the initiative, birth kits are distributed to expectant mothers in their third trimester. These kits contain essential supplies for safe deliveries.

The kits include medicated soap, clean delivery mats, methylated spirit for disinfection, sterile blades for cutting umbilical cords, cord clamps, gloves for attendants, gauze swabs, baby hats for warmth, cot sheets, name tags for babies, anti-haemorrhage prophylaxis, and vitamins for mothers.

The project also strengthens local health facilities and trains health workers and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) on safe delivery practices.

Dominic Nitiwul delivered a keynote address on behalf of Mrs. Bawumia. He praised the project's achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to mothers and children across Ghana.

He highlighted that the project arose from concerns about high maternal mortality rates in underserved areas like Saboba. “Today we celebrate life and progress,” he said.

The project provided over 4,000 expectant mothers with birth kits and supported 22 health facilities. It also led to a 79 percent increase in antenatal and postnatal care attendance.

Paramount Chief Ubor Bowan John Mateer Sakojim IV commended Mrs. Bawumia's advocacy for women and children. He noted that no institutional deaths have occurred since April 2023 due to this intervention.

Mr. Zaid Arimiyaw, District Director of Health Services for Saboba, praised SEHP's significant strides in maternal health. Before this intervention, many women gave birth under unsafe conditions.

“With SEHP’s support,” he said, “our healthcare system improved significantly.” He proudly stated that no mother or newborn was lost during this period.

The project builds on successes from similar interventions in East Gonja Municipality and North East Gonja Districts. These areas also saw reductions in maternal mortality after SEHP’s involvement.

“The Safe Delivery Project shows that public-private partnerships are vital,” he added. “These are not just numbers; they represent lives saved.”

Other speakers emphasized the need for ongoing training for health workers and community engagement. They called for integrating such initiatives into national policy frameworks.

Hajia Samira Bawumia expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project’s success through Mr. Nitiwul's address.

“This is not the end but the beginning of our commitment,” she conveyed regarding accessible maternal healthcare across Ghana.

She reiterated her dedication to ensuring every Ghanaian mother has access to safe childbirth regardless of location.