This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Ghana statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Ghana statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Ghana-specific metadata information.
| Goal |
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages |
|---|---|
| Target |
Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births |
| Indicator |
Indicator 3.1.2: Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel |
| Definition and concepts |
Definition: Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel (generally doctors, nurses or midwives but can refer to other health professionals providing childbirth care) is the proportion of childbirths attended by professional health personnel. According to the current definition these are competent maternal and newborn health (MNH) professionals educated, trained and regulated to national and international standards. They are competent to: (i) provide and promote evidence-based, human-rights based, quality, socio-culturally sensitive and dignified care to women and newborns (ii) facilitate physiological processes during labour and delivery to ensure a clean and positive childbirth experience; and (iii) identify and manage or refer women and/or newborns with complications. |
| Unit of measure |
Percentage (%) |
| Data sources |
Ghana Maternal and Health Survey (GMHS), 2017 |
| Data providers |
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) |
| Rationale |
Having a skilled health care provider at the time of childbirth is an important lifesaving intervention for both women and newborns. Not having access to this key assistance is detrimental to women's and newborns health because it could cause the death of the women and/or the newborn or long lasting morbidity. Achieving universal coverage for this indicator is therefore essential for reducing maternal and newborn mortality. |
| Comment and limitations |
Births attended by skilled health personnel is an indicator of health care utilization. It is a measure of the health system’s functioning and potential to provide adequate coverage for childbirth. On its own, however, this indicator does not provide insight into the availability or accessibility of services, for example in cases where emergency care is needed. Neither does this indicator capture the quality of care received. Data collection and data interpretation is challenged by lack of guidelines, standardization of professional titles and functions of the health care provider, and in some countries by task-shifting. In addition, many countries have found that there are large gaps between international standards and the competencies of existing health care professionals providing childbirth care. Lack of training and an enabling environment often hinder evidence based management of common obstetric and neonatal complications. |
| Method of computation |
Total number of live births in the preceding five years assisted by a doctor, midwife, nurse or community health nurse (skilled health provider) divided by total number of live births in the preceding five years and multiplied by 100. |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
This data is disaggregated by regions. |
| References and Documentation | |
| Metadata last updated | Jul 20, 2023 |