The training workshop was organised by the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council
A total of 90 midwives and Community Health Nurses in the Eastern Region are being trained in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods as part of efforts to improve maternal health and family planning services.
The training workshop, held in batches with the first 25 participants, is organised by the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Ghana. It seeks to address adolescent reproductive health challenges and reduce maternal deaths.
It aims to equip midwives and community nurses in the region with skills in administering Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods and life-saving techniques in maternal healthcare.
The training is part of the 8th Country Programme of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which targets zero maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence.
Alexander Otopa, the focal person, told the media that the programme started in 2013 and is expected to end in 2027 across five regions in Ghana.
He explained that the Eastern Region joined the programme in 2024 due to its vulnerabilities in maternal health, family planning, and gender- and sex-based violence.
“The central focus of the programme is to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health, maternal and family outcomes. To achieve this, we started the journey by training midwives and CHNs, and the results have been impactful. To sustain the gains, ERCC, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of the GHS, with funding from UNFPA, intends to train at least 90 midwives and CHNs, all geared towards attaining the programme’s goals,” he stated.
Edith Asiedua Dompreh, Eastern Regional Public Health Nurse, said, “We expect the participants to gain the skills to provide quality services to clients in the communities without any complications and, again, to prevent them from unwanted pregnancies.”
Some participants shared their experiences, acknowledging the myths and misconceptions about contraceptives while expressing confidence that they are now better positioned to educate and support their communities.