UNICEF and Ghana Health Service Scale Up Safety Net Program for Pregnant Adolescents in Central Region

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with UNICEF, has significantly bolstered its support for young mothers by expanding the Safety Net Intervention to 44 additional health facilities across the Central Region. As part of this strategic expansion, approximately 100 health service providers—including midwives, community health nurses, and health information officers—have completed intensive training aimed at improving maternal and child health services specifically tailored for pregnant adolescents. This initiative marks a critical step in integrating adolescent-friendly care into the mainstream healthcare delivery system, ensuring that one of the most vulnerable demographics receives specialized and dignified medical attention.

Led by Emma Delali Foli, the Central Regional Adolescent Focal Person, the training sessions focused on equipping frontline workers with the clinical and interpersonal skills necessary to handle the unique challenges faced by adolescent mothers. Since its inception in 2020, the Safety Net Intervention has seen remarkable growth, evolving from a pilot in six districts to a robust program now covering 16 districts and 176 health facilities. Participants were briefed on specific program objectives and rigorous reporting requirements, which are essential for monitoring health outcomes and ensuring that the quality of care remains consistent as the program scales up across the region.

The program has already demonstrated a substantial impact, with more than 5,000 pregnant adolescents benefiting from its services to date. By prioritizing sustainability, the GHS and UNICEF aim to create a lasting framework where health facilities are not only equipped with the right tools but also foster an environment free from the stigma often associated with teenage pregnancy. Moving forward, the recently trained providers are expected to act as mentors within their respective facilities, cascading their knowledge to colleagues to ensure the long-term success and accessibility of maternal healthcare for the youth in the Central Region.