Kumasi: US Ambassador cuts sod for construction of state -of – the art maternal and Child center
The United States of America Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer has cut sod for the construction state -of- the art maternal and child center at the HopeXchange Medical Center in Kumasi to improve maternal and Child health in Kumasi.
She indicated that over the years, the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided nearly $3.5 million dollars to the HopeXchange Medical Center. This funding has supported the establishment of a state-of-the-art pathology lab, the purchase of high-tech equipment, and the construction of a new maternity and pediatric hospital.
Her Excellency Virginia Palmer said after the completion in 18 months, the facility will include a labor and delivery suite, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, inpatient and outpatient wards, and an adolescent clinic.
She stressed that the new maternal and pediatric ward will save more lives and provide emergency healthcare to women and children.
Added that the United States is Ghana’s largest bilateral development partner. In 2022, our bilateral assistance totaled over $150 million dedicated to supporting health, economic growth and agriculture, education, governance, and security.
Addressing the gathering at the sod cutting ceremony she stated that every year, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), invests about $12 million to improve the health and lives of mothers, babies, and children across the country.
The US Ambassador to Ghana explained that they make “these investments because we know that quality maternal and antenatal care means healthier moms and newborns. And a healthy start is the first step to a lifetime of good health. Quality and effective maternal, newborn, and childcare requires basic building blocks. These basics include skilled care, infrastructure, basic equipment, and medical supplies.
USAID is committed to working with the Government of Ghana, the private sector, and communities to ensure all these building blocks are available here in Kumasi and across Ghana, she added.
The General Manager for HopeXchange Medical Center Mr Dominic Osei Kofi for his side speaking to the media reiterated that, the state of the art edifice will not improve maternal and child health in Ashanti region only but other regions as well.
