Dr. Angel Abena Tiwaa, a medical officer, has urged Christians to combine faith in divine healing with healthy lifestyles and professional medical care. She advised Christians not to rely solely on prayer when ill but to seek appropriate medical attention. This guidance emphasizes a holistic approach to health, integrating spiritual beliefs with practical medical practices.
Dr. Tiwaa delivered this advice on Sunday during a “Health Sunday” service. The event was organised by Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries International, Dansoman–My Father’s House. The theme for the service was “Stewarding the Family’s Health,” highlighting the importance of proactive health management within households.
This call for a balanced approach to health aligns with broader public health initiatives in Ghana. The nation consistently grapples with various health challenges, from infectious diseases to non-communicable conditions. Promoting preventative care and timely medical intervention is crucial for reducing the burden on the healthcare system and improving national health outcomes. Ghana's healthcare sector, while expanding, still faces resource constraints, making individual responsibility for health even more vital.
Dr. Tiwaa stated that Christians can pursue health through three complementary avenues. These are faith in divine healing, healthy living, and professional healthcare. She acknowledged that while Christians can trust God for supernatural healing, they must also recognise when medical attention is necessary. Adhering to medical advice is equally important for recovery and well-being.
The medical officer cautioned against treating divine health as automatic. She explained that believers need to develop their faith and grow spiritually. She encouraged Christians to strengthen their spiritual lives through prayer, Bible reading, Bible study, and meditation. This spiritual development should occur proactively, rather than waiting until illness or crisis before seeking spiritual growth.
Dr. Tiwaa also highlighted the significant impact of diet, stress, and sleep on physical and mental health. She encouraged families to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and manage stress effectively. These lifestyle factors are critical components of overall health and disease prevention.
She acknowledged that medicine has limitations and continues to evolve. However, she stressed that this is not a reason to reject professional healthcare. Patients have a responsibility to follow medical advice and seek clarification from healthcare professionals. This includes understanding their conditions, treatment plans, and preventive measures.
Dr. Tiwaa urged parents to protect, nurture, and prepare their children for the future. She emphasised that health stewardship extends beyond hospital visits. It requires individuals and families to take deliberate steps to protect their health daily. This includes acquiring reliable health information and using platforms like social media for health education, while exercising caution regarding online information accuracy.
Parents were also encouraged to promote physical activity, including walking, and make healthier food choices. Reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is another key recommendation. Learning about children’s developmental milestones and actively engaging in their physical and developmental well-being are crucial parental roles.
The implications of this advice are far-reaching for public health in Ghana. A greater integration of faith and medical science could lead to improved health-seeking behaviours among the populace. This could potentially reduce late presentations of illnesses and improve treatment adherence. Decision-makers in public health and religious organisations will need to consider how to further bridge this gap, fostering a collaborative approach to national health improvement.