Addressing Preterm Births in Ghana: A Call for Comprehensive Maternal and Neonatal Support

Ghana faces a critical public health challenge with preterm births, which remain a leading cause of newborn mortality. Recent estimates indicate that approximately 14% of babies in Ghana are born preterm, translating to roughly 128,000 infants each year—a rate higher than the global average of 10%.

Preterm births are associated with complications such as low birth weight, extreme prematurity, and neonatal hypothermia, all of which significantly affect survival and long-term health outcomes. Certain regions, such as Northern Ghana, experience even higher rates, with preterm births reaching 19.4%.

The implications of preterm birth extend beyond infant survival to maternal well-being. Mothers of preterm infants face heightened stress, financial strain, and emotional distress, particularly when access to quality healthcare and psychosocial support is limited.

Research from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra shows that mothers often experience reduced appetite, decreased productivity, and feelings of hopelessness during and after their infants’ NICU hospitalization. Access to adequate income, medication, information, and experienced healthcare practitioners has been shown to mitigate these challenges, underscoring the importance of robust maternal support systems.

Specialized care, including Neonatal Intensive Care Units and interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care, has improved survival rates in some hospitals. However, limited resources, staff shortages, and infrastructure constraints prevent these interventions from reaching all regions.

The financial burden of neonatal care remains a significant barrier for many families, despite the existence of free maternity services. Research further highlights that mothers of preterm infants are 79% more likely to develop mental health challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated psychosocial support alongside clinical care.

To address this pressing public health concern, it is essential to expand health coverage to incorporate the cost of specialized neonatal care into the National Health Insurance Scheme, reducing financial barriers for families. Strengthening maternal support by ensuring access to preterm care information, quality medication, and trained health professionals can improve both maternal mental health and infant survival.

Equally important is enhancing healthcare infrastructure by scaling up NICU capacity, promoting Kangaroo Mother Care programs, and ensuring equitable access to specialized neonatal services across all regions. Community engagement in preterm care education can further empower families, improving home-based care and supporting maternal resilience.

Preterm birth in Ghana is not only a neonatal issue but a broader maternal and societal concern. Ensuring access to quality healthcare, financial support, and psychosocial resources can significantly improve survival and long-term outcomes for preterm infants while safeguarding the mental health of their mothers. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities must act decisively to strengthen systems, reduce disparities, and support families navigating the challenges of preterm birth.