International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Ghana needs to introduce a strategy in order to continue making progress on reducing maternal mortality rates in the African nation, according to an independent United Nations (UN) expert.

Anand Grover, the special rapporteur on the right to health, praised the government in Ghana for its commitment to reducing the number of maternal deaths.

"In order to ensure that current gains related to the right to health are sustained, the government must develop a strategy to address possible deficits in future funding," he advised.

He said it was vital for Ghana to ensure it has adequate funding and resources dedicated specifically to healthcare - especially children's and women's health.

Mr Grover added that there is further need for the African country to place more emphasis on addressing maternal mortality because the rates are so high.

UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon, speaking recently in Nigeria, said global infant and maternal mortality rates are currently "unacceptable".

Posted by Alexandra George