Preventive Healthcare Posts Impressive Results

Results from the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)-led Prevention Is Better Than Cure (PBC) programme have shown significant increase in the uptake of preventive healthcare in targeted areas of the country.

The PBC is a three-year project commenced in 2015 with collaborative implementation by the Ghana Association of Quasi-Governmental Health Institution in a strategic alliance with other institutions.

It is aimed at integrating prevention and health promotion measures in the service packages of both public and private health service providers, including health insurance providers in Ghana.

Speaking at the close-out conference to share experience with strategic partners, Alan Walsch, Country Director, GIZ Ghana, stated that the project which highlights preventive healthcare has reached over 40,000 people.

He said two health insurance companies have at least two preventive healthcare service packages with 15 health facilities now offering preventive health measures.

In his keynote address, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu pointed out that although the PBC is phasing out, the project remains very relevant as it presents a great opportunity for the country in the attainment of its SDG 3.

He added that as a developing country, it is prudent for Ghana to shift health service delivery focus to disease prevention, which is touted as the most cost-effective means of health service delivery.

“The ministry is currently reviewing the National Health Policy which places enormous emphasis on the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the use of disease prevention and health promotion as well as affordable quality health services,” he added.

Mr Agyemang Manu further maintained that the National Health Promotion Policy, which is also under review, places emphasis on inter-sectoral collaboration for efficient and effective implementation of the policy.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri