The items included desktop computers, 12 tricycles fabricated into ambulances, hospital beds and mattresses, methylated spirit, medical examination gloves, Cussons baby products, baby’s cot sheets, pampers, bicycles and motorbikes.

At a brief presentation ceremony, Dr Micheal Wombeogo, the Director of PARDA, said since 2012 PARDA had partnered the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to promote active maternal and child healthcare in logistic support.

It has also promoted active participation and engagement of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Community Health committees with midwives, nurses and District Health Directorates to ensure improved maternal and child healthcare within the various communities in the region.

Dr Wombeogo said maternal and child healthcare was recognised as key health intervention globally to ensure safe deliveries and child survival.  He said PARDA operated in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Kassena–Nankana East, Bawku West, Talensi and Nabdam districts.

Dr Wombeogo said PARDA, in collaboration with Oxfam Ghana, had embarked on activities in 12 communities including capacity building for midwives, community health committees and TBAs, and community sensitisation on maternal and child health.  He said PARDA owed gratitude to Oxfam Ghana, Zochonis Charitable Trust (UK), KLUB (Austria), the GHS and the chiefs and people of the various communities for their continuous partnership, sponsorship and collaboration.

Dr Wombeogo affirmed PARDA’s commitment to collaborate with her partners, especially the GHS, to upscale its activities to cover more communities and districts. He called on the health authorities in the region to post midwives and nurses to health centres to maintain a 24-hour service at the facilities.

Dr Kofi Issah, the Upper East Regional Director of the GHS, who received the items, expressed gratitude to PARDA and their donors for the gesture. He said: “Maintenance is key” and called on health officials and members of the community to help maintain the equipment.  Dr Issah said effective healthcare could not be accomplished without participation from the communities and advised community members to encourage their children to enroll into the various health institutions since that would help them retain their own to serve them.

 He urged health professionals, especially nurses and midwives, to accept postings to the various health centres in the region and urged them to always involve community members for effective healthcare delivery.