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Health care industry

Strengthening Ghana's Public Health System: Key Takeaways and Insights

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ghana's public health system has faced numerous challenges, but Director of Public Health, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, emphasizes the need for multi-faceted approaches to strengthen it. He highlights that increasing funding, investing in infrastructure, and reorienting services toward primary and preventive care are crucial. Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe also stresses the importance of improving vaccine confidence among the population, which can be achieved through targeted messaging, community engagement, and prompt address of rumors and myths. The Ghana Health Service has demonstrated a commitment to improving its public health system, with initiatives such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) funding increase and the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to finance treatment for non-communicable diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ghana Health Service aims to strengthen its public health system through multi-faceted approaches, including increasing funding, investing in infrastructure, and reorienting services toward primary and preventive care.
  • Improving vaccine confidence among the population is essential for increasing vaccine uptake in Ghana, which can be achieved through targeted messaging, community engagement, and prompt address of rumors and myths.
  • The Ghana Health Service has made significant achievements in reducing infant and under-five mortality rates, with a reduction from 111/1000 LB in 2003 to 40/1000 LB in 2022.
  • Immunization has helped to conquer many childhood vaccine-preventable diseases in Ghana, with notable achievements including the elimination of polio and measles, and a drastic reduction in cases of pneumonia and diarrhea in children.
  • Key challenges facing Ghana's immunization program include heavy reliance on partners for commodity and operational support, inadequate and frequent breakdown of cold chain equipment, inequities in vaccination coverage, and workforce burnout.
  • Media engagement is crucial for public education on immunisation, helping to dispel myths and misinformation, and promoting confidence in vaccine programs.
  • The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) funding increase and the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund are initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and financing treatment for non-communicable diseases.
  • Ghana's public health system serves as an essential component of the resilient health system, with the first line of defense against pandemics and public health threats.
  • Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe emphasizes the importance of continuous partnership with international bodies to implement initiatives, strengthen medical training and research facilities, and strengthen financial and technical partnerships.

Statistics:

  • Infant and under-five mortality rates in Ghana have reduced from 111/1000 LB in 2003 to 40/1000 LB in 2022.
  • Ghana has made significant strides in reducing infant and under-five mortality rates, with a reduction of 71% between 2003 and 2022.
  • The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has contributed to the reduction of under-five mortality rates and the elimination of neonatal tetanus in Ghana.
  • Ghana's immunization program has helped to conquer many childhood vaccine-preventable diseases, with notable achievements including the elimination of polio and measles.
  • The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) funding increase is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency (31 October 2025)
  • Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health, Ghana Health Service (GHS)
  • Africa Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN)
  • National Vaccine Institute (NVI)
  • Dr Selorm Kutsoati, Acting Programme Manager, Expanded Programme of Immunisation, Ghana Health Service

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