More than 3,000 babies die every month in Ghana before reaching their first birthday, according to the Ministry of Health. The figure was released in a statement to mark World Health Day, observed globally on 7th April 2025 under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

The Ministry noted that Ghana’s infant mortality rate currently stands at 52 deaths per 1,000 live births. With an estimated 780,000 babies born each year, this translates to more than 40,000 infant deaths annually.

“These deaths are largely preventable and must be systematically addressed,” the Ministry said.

It attributed the rising numbers to poor postnatal care, inadequate access to skilled delivery services, and weaknesses within the health system.

The statement also pointed to a rise in maternal deaths in health facilities.

Between 2022 and 2023, the maternal mortality rate increased from 102.6 to 109.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Greater Accra and Ashanti regions recorded the highest figures.

During the same period, deaths of babies under one year rose from 7.4 to 8.1 per 1,000 live births, while under-five mortality increased from 9.8 to 10.9 per 1,000.

The highest child death rates were reported in the northern regions of the country.

There was also a decline in the percentage of births attended by skilled health professionals, which dropped from 62.6% to 60.6%.

The Ministry described this as a cause for concern, noting that the presence of trained personnel during childbirth is crucial for reducing maternal and newborn deaths.

“These figures demand urgent attention,” the Ministry stated, urging all relevant actors, including public agencies, private institutions, development partners, and community groups, to play a more active role in improving health outcomes for mothers and children.

Planned interventions include increasing the availability of skilled birth attendants, improving maternity care standards, and ensuring consistent care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the early years of life.

Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, said government programmes such as the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (popularly known as “MahamaCares”) and the Free Primary Healthcare Programme are part of broader efforts to improve maternal and child health.

He acknowledged, however, that more work needs to be done.

In line with this year’s World Health Day theme, the Ministry called for wider public awareness about early visits to health facilities, better maternal and newborn services, and stronger national efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals.

These targets include reducing maternal deaths to 70 per 100,000 and neonatal deaths to 12 per 1,000 by the year 2030.

“With the support of all players, every woman can go through pregnancy safely, and every baby can be given a fair chance at life,” the Ministry said.