Health Ministry Showcases Innovative Midwife Solutions
The Ministry of Health has showcased the ingenuity of Ghanaian midwives with its inaugural Midwives’ Innovation Hackathon Exhibition, celebrating their crucial role in improving maternal and newborn healthcare.
Speaking at the event, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mr Desmond Boateng, emphasized that the Hackathon demonstrates the government’s dedication to enhancing outcomes for mothers and newborns across the country.
“Midwives are central to achieving Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage goals,” Mr Boateng stated. He further assured participants of ongoing support for initiatives that leverage innovation to boost efficiency, improve decision-making, and guarantee safe, quality care.
Madam Netta Ackon-Forson, President of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), highlighted that innovation doesn’t always demand sophisticated technology. “It stems from the practical problem-solving skills honed by midwives facing daily challenges on the frontline,” she explained.
She underscored the vital position midwives hold, particularly in underserved communities, where they often represent the entirety of healthcare access for women. “For many women, especially in remote areas, midwives are not just part of the health system, they *are* the health system, providing life-saving care under incredibly difficult circumstances,” Madam Ackon-Forson stressed.
Winners of the Hackathon are set to receive cash prizes, mentorship programs, and opportunities to expand their innovative projects, according to Madam Estel Ruth Opoku, Head of the Midwifery Unit at the Ministry.
Madam Opoku also revealed that key partners, including Google, Microsoft, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have pledged their support to help midwives develop prototypes, digital tools, and community-based solutions.
The exhibition itself featured a range of midwife-led projects, evaluated by a panel of judges, and served as a testament to the practical, impactful innovations emerging from the frontlines of maternal and newborn care in Ghana.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
