European Union supports war against mortality

The European Union (EU) Delegation in Ghana has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to coordinate their activities so as to avoid unhealthy competitions in seeking grants from donor partners.

Mr. Joseph B. Allan, EU Delegation Programme Officer said many CSOs in the country depend on donor support for their operations, but once grants have been released to them, unhealthy competitions should give way to coordination.

He said CSOs should be able to sit together, discuss and agree on a common approach in tackling issues.

Mr. Allan was speaking at the weekend to Ghana News Agency in Accra on the sideline of the launch of Plan Ghana € 550, 000 Young Voices Project.

He said the EU is supporting the Institute of Local Government Studies to provide a platform for CSOs in the social sector to sit together, discuss issues and share their experiences.

He said, this year, the EU had provided €3 million for CSOs in Ghana on maternal health and service delivery.

He said it is important that CSOs in the health sector begin to work together to ensure that maternal and child health are put on a high pedestal.

The Programme Officer said a record of 180 deaths per 100,000 live births is an acceptable standard in maternal healthcare delivery, which Ghana must strive to attain.

He stressed that currently, the rate of 385 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in the country is unacceptable.

He said healthcare staff must adhere to the patient’s charter, by providing for and respecting the rights and responsibilities of patients.