The Ghana Health Service, in partnership with a non-governmental organization, has launched a health fair aimed at promoting healthy behaviors, services, and products in rural communities, with the goal of increasing access to healthcare in the region.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service have collaborated to launch the 3-day “Good Life, Live it Well” campaign in the Upper West Region. This campaign serves as the overarching brand for the Ghana Health Service and seeks to promote positive health behaviors through media engagement. The launch, held at Jubilee Park in Wa Municipality on Tuesday, 17th September 2024, will continue until Thursday, 19th September. The theme for the fair is “Promoting Good Life through the Adoption of Positive Health Behaviors.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Damien Punguyire, the Upper West Regional Health Director of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized that health goes beyond medical care. He explained that the Regional Health Directorate organized the event to officially launch the health fair in an effort to promote the healthcare services available in the region. He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Regional and District Health Departments to educate the public on the importance of consuming nutritious food and practicing good health habits. Dr. Punguyire encouraged individuals to visit health facilities such as wellness clinics and centers for regular check-ups to maintain their health.
Dr. Punguyire also appealed to the private sector, including pharmacies, laboratories, and other agencies, to support the Regional Health Directorate in delivering quality healthcare services. He further called on the media fraternity to play a role in spreading the message of good health.
Mohammed Awal Alhassan, the Executive Director of Norsaac, noted that over the past four years, his organization has reached out to 17 districts across Ghana, with plans to expand to 60 districts nationwide. Norsaac aims to cover all 11 districts in the Upper West Region to promote community-level engagement on positive health behaviors. He expressed hope that the project would improve health literacy in communities, ultimately enhancing the healthcare system.
In an exclusive interview, Alhaj Lawyer Hudu Alhassan, the Deputy Chief of Party for SBCC, praised the private sector for its significant contributions to quality healthcare delivery. He stressed the importance of the private sector’s involvement in ensuring proper healthcare services and outlined ongoing efforts to provide healthcare to all segments of society. He also highlighted initiatives aimed at educating young girls to prevent early marriages and protect their health.
By Romanus Bombe Kyi-Era.
