The US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Robert P. Jackson and the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwaku Agyeman- Manu have inaugurated four Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in the Mion and Yendi districts in the northern region.
According to the ministry of health, the CHPS model brings health care directly to local communities in remote areas. The objective of CHPS is to increase access and use health services at community level to promote universal health coverage.
The United States Agency for International Development –USAID — supports the ministry of health and the Ghana health service to build CHPS to strengthen the accessibility of life-improving health services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, as well as reduce stunting and anemia among children under five.
Ambassador Jackson stated that the success of CHPS is rooted in community ownership and self-reliance. This he says is further emboldened by President Nana Akuffo Addo who stated the importance of self-reliance in his Ghana Beyond Aid Vision. All these projects, he added, means investing resources to make a lasting impact on the wellbeing of Ghanaians.
He noted further that, the CHPS compounds make quality health services more accessible to communities who need it the most. The ceremony was held at the CHPS compound in Warrivi community in the Mion district, and included community representatives from Tensung, kunkon, and Nkwanta.
The CHPS compounds were built as part of the USAID-supported systems for health project in collaboration with the Ghana health service. The compounds includes a clinical unit, a residential unit with two separate one-bedroom apartment, an elevated water tank, septic tank, incinerator, borehole, and access to electricity.
In December 2017, four CHPS compounds were commissioned in the Volta region by USAID/GHANA Mission Director Sharon L. Cromer and officially handed over to Ghana health services. Additionally CHPS compounds are currently under construction in the northern and Volta regions, with expected completion in December 2018.
USAID is the lead US government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID has supported Ghana in increasing food security, improving basic health care, enhancing access to quality basic education, and strengthening local governance to benefit all Ghanaian people.
Ambassador Jackson urged community members to be actively involved in the upkeep and maintenance of the compounds, adding that community health officers will only be able to deliver quality services if they have access to sufficient resources to keep the CHPS compounds running.
He further added that promoting good health in the community calls for commitment of all stakeholders including community members and district assembly members to mobilize and manage financial resources. He said it is important that resources are managed well so these health services remain available and accessible to all members over time.
In attendance were the Director General of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Anthony Nsiah- Asare, northern regional minister, Mr. Salifu Sa-eed, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Samuel Kwashie, District Chief Executives from Mion and Yendi districts, Assembly Members, Chiefs and community members.
BY:LILIAN D.WALTER
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