In Ghana, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with 308 deaths per 100,000 live births nationally.
In the Eastern Region where Koforidua is located, the situation is equally concerning, with a maternal mortality rate of 103 per 100,000 live births – ranking it the third highest in the country.
For many hardworking market women, balancing long hours of trade with accessing timely ante-natal care is almost impossible.
Recognising this, TTYM Global, under the leadership of midwife and maternal health advocate Sarah Nkansah Boateng, launched an innovative Point-of-Care Service at Agartha Market in Koforidua.
In collaboration with the Eastern Regional Ghana Health Service, TTYM Global conducted its first outreach on October 14, 2024, a remarkable beginning to an ongoing programme.
This is not a one-time event, but a sustainable, community-centred effort that takes place regularly during market days to ensure continuous access to care.
Through this initiative, TTYM Global has been able to: Offer free ante-natal check-ups and consultations, screen for high-risk pregnancies using a digital health tracking system; Provide emergency maternity kits equipped with essential delivery items; Deliver health education on pregnancy, nutrition and postpartum care.
These interventions are already saving lives and offering hope to women who previously felt unseen and unsupported.
With the TTYM Mobile App, healthcare professionals can track patients’ health data, categorise pregnancies into high-risk and low-risk groups, and ensure appropriate follow-up care. This technology-driven approach is bridging the gap between underserved women and quality maternal healthcare.
Since launching this initiative:
- 67 market women have received ante-natal check-ups and consultations
- 8 high-risk pregnancies have been identified early and referred for specialist care
- 80 women have benefitted from emergency maternity kits
- Over 67 women have received health education on pregnancy, nutrition, postpartum care and family planning.
These numbers represent not just statistics, but lives protected and families preserved. This initiative is spearheaded by Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a certified midwife and reproductive health advocate, who has worked extensively in maternal and child healthcare.
With years of experience attending to women in labour wards and witnessing first-hand the consequences of inadequate antenatal care, she is deeply committed to bridging the gap between underserved women and essential healthcare services.
As we continue our work at Agartha Market and beyond, TTYM Global envisions integrating this model into Ghana’s Ministry of Health service delivery framework. By embedding point-of-care services in market spaces across the country, we can drastically reduce maternal and neo-natal mortality rates.
We call on development partners, corporate bodies, philanthropists and government agencies to support and fund this transformative initiative. Your support will be a lifeline for mothers, a future for children and a commitment to public health equity.
TTYM Global welcomes partnerships, volunteers and donors to support this mission. Follow our journey: @talktoyourmidwife | @ttym global
