Table 1 Components of WHO “focused care” and Ghana success maternity interventions

Components of Maternity Care

In Ghana, maternity care developments are grounded in the WHO guidelines for a “focused antenatal care” for all expectant mothers, including: identifying and managing all pregnancy complications, identifying and treating all concurrent illness whiles taking steps to avoid the complication exacerbation through prevention and case management of anemia and intermittent treatment for malaria (IPTp). Others such as micronutrient supplementation, two doses of tetanus immunizations, education and sensitization on HIV/AIDS, healthy lifestyle behaviors and the monitoring of very vital signs during every stage of pregnancy, are provided. Assisted delivery by a professional at a facility that has the capacity to provide the needed care for a good pregnancy outcome is also essential. Adequate postnatal care is characterized by the presence of skilled care during and for the first 42 days after delivery. Appropriate postnatal check up on the mother and newborn critically depends on receipt of post check after delivery, timing of care received (at least within 1 week for hard to reach areas) and the provider type (skilled or unskilled) providing care. Although antenatal care alone cannot significantly impact maternity outcomes, its adequate provision provides an entry point for integrated care, contributes to skilled utilization at birth and links community care structures with women. Maternity care is delivered in Ghana in both private and public facilities, encompassing all categories of maternity homes, clinics, CHPS compounds, health centers and hospitals. Most maternity homes, clinics (all levels), health centers and regional hospitals exist in urban areas while CHPS centers, health centers or district hospitals if they do exist, provide care for those living in rural areas. Evidencebased approaches to improve delivery outcomes exist in Ghana, such as the community participatory approach (Zorko initiative), Amansie west, Koforidua, and Tamale teaching hospitals experiences. Understanding continuously women in changing demands and needs influencing critical care components for maternity is important to make current strategies and interventions relevant.