In 2024, the Shah Family Foundation and the Gloria Baylis Foundation collectively contributed $100,000 to Ghana Medical Help’s Maternity Service Agenda (MSA) project. This initiative aimed to address the critical challenges of maternal and neonatal healthcare in Ghana’s Upper Regions, where limited access to emergency care has contributed to some of the highest mortality rates in the world.
The MSA project successfully trained 46 healthcare workers from 19 hospitals in Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care. These midwives and doctors, now designated as “Maternity Ambassadors,” received intensive, hands-on training in life-saving skills such as postpartum hemorrhage management, neonatal resuscitation, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The training not only improved clinical skills but also empowered these ambassadors to lead ongoing education within their communities. Through this train-the-trainer model, healthcare workers in 176 subdistricts are now better equipped to manage maternal and newborn emergencies, creating a ripple effect of knowledge and preparedness across the region.
The impact of the MSA project has been profound. Post-training evaluations showed a 10% average increase in knowledge scores, with participants reporting greater confidence in their ability to handle emergencies. Essential medical supplies, including fetal dopplers and delivery kits, were distributed to all participating hospitals, enabling immediate improvements in healthcare delivery.
One participant shared, “This training has transformed the way I approach emergencies. I feel better equipped to save lives and provide quality care to mothers and babies.”
The success of the MSA project underscores the importance of sustained investment in healthcare education and resources. By building local capacity and providing critical tools, this initiative has laid the foundation for lasting improvements in maternal and neonatal health.
The Shah Family Foundation and the Gloria Baylis Foundation are proud to have supported this life-saving work, transforming healthcare for mothers and newborns in Ghana’s most underserved communities.
