Ghana Rural Integrated Development

Published purpose

This project aims to reduce neonatal mortality in rural northern Ghana by building on a previous initiative on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) called Leyaata. Leyaata Ane seeks to double the geographic scope of the previous Leyaata project by adding an additional 80 communities to the original 82. It aims to improve the delivery of health care, specifically healthcare around birth, by training 50 health workers, encouraging the adoption of codes of conduct, and ensuring facilities meet basic requirements for safe care around birth. A proven home visit program conducted by community-based health volunteers is used to increase access to this improved care. Project activities include: (1) providing health workers with training in essential interventions at birth and for newborns; (2) rehabilitating and equipping local facilities with essential technologies; (3) training and equipping community based volunteers to provide home visits for antenatal counselling and neonate monitoring; (4) distributing long-lasting insecticidal nets to all pregnant women and new mothers; and (5) facilitating support groups to promote women’s care around birth and shared decision-making. The project is expected to contribute directly to the improved health of approximately 39,000 people including approximately 20,000 children. In addition, more than 139,000 people are expected to benefit indirectly from this project’s results. Ghana Rural Integrated Development is implementing this project in collaboration with the following local partner: Northern Empowerment Association.