19/02/2026
2025 ; MD Calls for Stronger Referral Systems to Improve Neonatal Outcomes.
The Upper West Regional Hospital (UWRH) has rallied key to confront rising maternal and neonatal deaths at its 2025 Annual Performance Review, with participants renewing their commitment to improving neonatal outcomes across the region.
The review, held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen systems and enhance coordinated stakeholder action to address maternal and neonatal mortality. It was held under the theme: “Improving Neonatal Healthcare through Effective Referral System; The Role of Stakeholders.”
In his welcome address, Acting Medical Director Dr. Philip K.K. described the year under review as one marked by “transition, turbulence, resilience, and growth.” He outlined significant challenges faced by the hospital, including leadership changes, industrial action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the loss of two staff members, and the shutdown of the hospital’s electronic health records system (LHIMS).
Despite these setbacks, he noted that the hospital remained steadfast in delivering essential healthcare services.
Dr. Baabiineh expressed concern over the increase in maternal and neonatal mortality, describing the figures as a sobering reminder that more work remains to be done. He stressed that improving neonatal outcomes is a shared responsibility, highlighting the importance of early detection, timely referral, efficient communication, and effective emergency response.
He added that despite the challenges, the hospital recorded notable gains in clinical service delivery, specialist expansion, staff development, stakeholder collaboration, and financial performance.
The Upper West Regional of Health Services, Dr. Josephat Ana-Imwine Nyuzaghl, commended management and staff for sustaining service delivery and excellence under difficult circumstances. He described the theme as timely, noting that many neonatal deaths are preventable when appropriate systems are in place.
Dr. Nyuzaghl emphasized early detection, prompt referral, and proper reporting as critical pillars in reducing neonatal mortality. He further called for attitudinal change, continuous capacity building, routine neonatal death audits, and strict adherence to evidence-based interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).
He assured stakeholders that his office would provide leadership to strengthen supportive supervision, mobilize logistics, invest in quality improvement initiatives, collaborate closely with the Ghana National Ambulance Service, and prioritize staff capacity building.
He urged staff to maintainif not exceed their current level of commitment in 2026 to achieve greater impact.
The event featured a panel discussion comprising two paediatricians, a paediatric nurse specialist, and representatives from the ambulance service, who examined the theme and proposed practical interventions to improve referral systems and emergency response mechanisms.
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service, through DSP/Mr. Abdul-Rahman Ewuntomah from its regional headquarters, reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the hospital to strengthen security measures within the facility.
The review brought together representatives from the Regional Health Directorate , Ghana Fire Service, National Health Insurance Authority , Municipal Health Directorate, Wa Municipal Assembly , Wa Municipal Hospital,core management, and unit heads of the hospital.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in the Upper West Region.
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PR, Upper West Regional Hospital.