British government gives more money for maternal care

Savelugu (N/R), Sep. 4, GNA - The British government has given 6.76 million pounds sterling as an additional contribution to Ghana's health sector to boost the free maternal health programme.

Dr. Douglas Alexander, United Kingdom Secretary of State in charge of Departmental Fund for International Development (DFID), said the money would be used to buy emergency obstetric care equipment. Dr Alexander is on a day's visit to the Northern Region to ascertain how successful the implementation of the free maternal healthcare programme funded by his government had been and to see what further assistance would be needed to improve it.

He praised the close economic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Ghana and stressed the need to build on such collaboration to enhance development.

He said the UK government had a strong passion for maternal and infant care and that everything possible would be put in place to ensure that the sector was improved.

"I must commend the health staff for exhibiting high sense of professionalism in the areas of Maternal and Child Healthcare delivery in Ghana."

Alhaji Abubakari Atori, the Savelugu/Nanton District Chief Executive, commended the British government for its support under DFID to develop the district. He said such assistance, which includes the provision of classroom blocks, teachers' accommodation and potable water had motivated teachers to accept postings to deprived communities in the district. 04 Sept 08