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Ministry of Health, WHO launch 2023-2030 Ghana Health Financing Strategy document

Some dignitaries display the strategy document during the launch

Fri, 10 May 2024 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Ghana Health Financing Strategy (2023-2030).

The unveiling ceremony, graced by directors of the health ministry and various sectors, representatives of the WHO, and the National Health Insurance Authority among others; marks a milestone in the nation's journey towards ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all its citizens.

Under the theme "Health financing mechanisms for Universal Health Coverage," the strategy sets forth a comprehensive approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

UHC aims to ensure every individual and community can access essential healthcare services without financial difficulties.

This all-encompassing initiative covers preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care, rooted in principles of equity and solidarity.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister-designate for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Health Alhaji Hafiz Adam, reiterated the government's commitment to leaving no Ghanaian behind in the pursuit of universal health coverage.

He emphasized the crucial role of collaboration among government entities, development partners, and civil society in executing the strategy and realizing its objectives.

“Ghana, like many other countries, is working towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the year 2030. This effort has been supported in Ghana by a strong political, legislative, and fiscal commitment to health financing system reforms.

“This is in line with attaining the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), Principles of the African Union Agenda 2063, Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being, Declaration on Primary Health Care in Astana (2018), UHC 2030 Compact, the Initiative of UHC 2030 and the Political Declaration of UHC adopted at the UN High-Level Meeting in September 2019,” he said.

He continued “The Health Financing Strategy that we are about to launch responds to international standards which require that financing system should be specifically designed to provide all people with access to needed health (including prevention, promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation) of sufficient quality and ensure that users are not exposed to financial hardship.”

On the other hand, Dr Frank John Lule the Officer In chief of the WHO in Ghana added “The launch of the strategy is timely because it comes at a time when Ghana is also rolling out other key strategies such as 'Networks of Practice' for achieving UHC.

“This innovative PHC service delivery design must be aligned with the expected new financing structure and indeed we, as development partners, are happy to note."

AM/SARA