November 13 2024
Accra, Ghana – In a new initiative to improve adolescent, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition in Ghana, the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed over 700 million Ghana Cedis ($45 million) over the next five years. The Integrated Health Partnership (IHP) is a collaboration between USAID and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Project HOPE, Christian Health Association of Ghana, Sanford World Clinics, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Vayu Global Health Foundation to support primary health care delivery for Ghanaians.
“We must renew our focus on primary health care to guarantee the best health outcomes for all. A strong primary health care system provides quality health prevention, promotive and curative services – this ensures a thriving, healthy and productive population,” said USAID/Ghana Mission Director, Kimberly Rosen.
Focused in the five regions of the north and the Western Region, IHP will support Networks of Practice (NoP) with essential equipment, training for health staff, and on-the-job supportive supervision to strengthen clinical and health facility management skills. NoPs bring together and link health care services across all levels of the health system – from community clinics and health centers to district and regional hospitals. One NoP, made up of a cluster of health care facilities, is responsible for a defined geographic area, bringing coordinated and quality health care to the population. Additionally, IHP will work at the national level to ensure lessons learned from implementation on the ground are documented to improve national policy.
Primary health care ensures that healthcare is centered on people’s needs and respects their preferences. It is widely regarded as the most inclusive, equitable, and cost-effective way to achieve universal health coverage or healthcare access for all. USAID is committed to working with the Government and the people of Ghana to further improve Ghana’s primary health care system.
“The over six-decade relationship between the U.S. and Ghana has blossomed into a mutually beneficial friendship. Together we have partnered to provide quality health and social services for all Ghanaians and this latest health IHP partnership will support the backbone of Ghana’s health system – primary healthcare,” said U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer.
This new program adds to the existing 390 million Ghana Cedis ($25 million) five-year agreement between USAID/Ghana and Ghana Health Service to improve the quality of healthcare delivery at community health facilities and health centers.
The United States is Ghana’s largest bilateral development partner, with over $150 million in support in the last year for health, economic growth, agriculture, education, and more. IHP aligns with the Government of Ghana’s health objectives, including the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020-2030).
About USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID’s activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana’s journey to self-reliance. USAID’s work advances an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.
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