UNICEF to support the establishment of CHPS in Upper West Region

Somboro (UWR), July 24, GNA - The United Nations Children's Fund, (UNICEF) is to build 15 community-based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) in the Upper West Region, with funds from the US Fund for UNICEF. The project is part of UNICEF's overall commitment to meet the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) goal of increasing the fulfilment of the rights to health of the population of Ghana, especially, those living in the remote and most deprived districts.

It is also part of UNICEF's commitment of improving young children's survival and development as enshrined in the Medium Term Strategy Plan (MTSP) for 2006/2009.

Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF representative in Ghana made this known at a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of one of the CHPS compounds at Somboro, a farming community in the Jirapa District on Wednesday.

The CHPS compound concept would help increase access to quality health care services for the people in the region. Dr Haque said the construction of the CHPS compounds was a partnership involving UNICEF and the Upper West Region, following a request made by the Regional Health Directorate.

He said under the agreement, UNICEF would provide funds for the procurement of building materials to the value of 305,808 Ghana cedis. The first disbursement, involving 192,025 Ghana cedis had been made in June and the remaining 113,783 Ghana cedis was currently being processed to be transferred before the end of July 2008.

Dr. Haque said the remaining part of the work, involving payment of artisans and unskilled labour would be shared among the Ghana Health Service, district assemblies and the beneficiary communities. He gave the assurance that UNICEF would remain committed to supporting the region in its efforts to reduce the unacceptable high infant and child mortality rates in the region. 25 July 08