The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Ghana to center its healthcare reforms on communities, not just health systems. This focus is crucial for Ghana to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring people can easily access quality healthcare where they live.
Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative to Ghana, stated this at the 2026 Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) Annual Conference in Koforidua. She explained that people-centred healthcare goes beyond expanding services. It requires health systems to respond to the daily lives of the communities they serve. Building healthcare around the realities of people's lives is key.
This call comes as Ghana pushes its Free Primary Healthcare programme. The program offers a chance to redesign healthcare around people's needs. Such an approach could accelerate progress towards making healthcare available to everyone. Addressing existing disparities in healthcare access is vital for Ghana's economic and social development. Many families in rural communities still travel long distances for basic healthcare.
Dr. Braka explained that achieving healthcare goals requires more than policy commitments. Healthcare must reach those facing barriers to basic services. She noted despite some progress, significant disparities remain across Ghana. Many districts lack easy access to primary healthcare and treatment for non-communicable diseases. This uneven access affects productivity and human capital development.
The WHO Representative noted that countries successful in achieving UHC invested in strong primary healthcare systems. These countries did not rely mainly on hospital-based care. Strong primary healthcare improves health outcomes, promotes fairness, and reduces avoidable hospital stays. It also strengthens the health system's ability to cope with challenges. This approach provides the most efficient path to Sustainable Development Goal Three, which focuses on health and well-being.
The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) is a vital partner in making people-centred healthcare a reality. CHAG has a long history of serving underserved communities. The association operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and community services. This network brings healthcare closer to millions of Ghanaians, especially in rural areas. CHAG's broad presence and trusted community relationships make it essential for implementing the Free Primary Healthcare programme. Delivering effective primary healthcare requires collaboration among government, faith-based organizations, private providers, and civil society. The World Health Organization is committed to supporting both the Government of Ghana and CHAG. This support aims to strengthen primary healthcare and improve health outcomes nationwide.