GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
In a groundbreaking initiative, Ghana and the United States have launched a five-year Government-to-Government (G2G) partnership aimed at elevating healthcare services in the country. The agreement focuses on supporting the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to enhance the quality of primary healthcare delivery, particularly at Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) and health centers nationwide.
According to a statement signed and shared with the Ghana News Agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $18.8 million in funding for the initiative. The Ghana Health Service is expected to contribute $6.2 million over the five-year period, showcasing a joint commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services.
Kimberly Rosen, USAID/Ghana Mission Director, highlighted the long-term benefits of investing in health, stating, “The partnership we announced today will help provide quality services to all Ghanaians no matter where they live or how much they can afford to pay.”
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the GHS, expressed confidence that the support would enable the provision of continuous, quality healthcare and enhance the overall patient experience. The initiative aligns with the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020-2030) and contributes to Ghana’s broader health objectives.
The statement emphasized the United States Government’s significant role as Ghana’s largest bilateral partner, providing substantial support across various sectors, including health, economic growth, agriculture, education, governance, and security, with over $150 million in the past year alone.
As part of the five-year agreement, USAID and the GHS will collaborate to support 60 Networks of Practice (NoP) in five regions, including the Northern and Western Regions. This support includes essential equipment, training for health staff, and on-the-job supportive supervision to strengthen their skills. The NoP model aims to enhance healthcare delivery by connecting community health facilities to district health centers.
Additionally, the partnership will assist the GHS in operationalizing its Planning and Budgeting Management Information System, and the Ministry of Finance will receive support for its Integrated Financial Management Information System, among other initiatives.
To facilitate healthcare accessibility in hard-to-reach areas, the USAID/Ghana Mission Director handed over three Yamaha motorcycles to the GHS. This gesture adds to USAID’s ongoing support, which includes the donation of over 300 motorcycles, 20 vehicles, and 3,000 electronic tablets to the GHS over the past years.
This collaborative effort signifies a significant stride towards strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, aligning with global goals for universal health coverage, and fostering enduring partnerships in the realm of public health.
