By: Emmanuel Amoah
The Health Promotion Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has formalized a strategic partnership with private sector entities through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering nationwide wellness initiatives. This collaboration seeks to harness corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to reinforce public health interventions across the country.
Through this initiative, the GHS secured 56 commitments from potential private sector collaborators, with seven formal partnership agreements already in place. These agreements pledge both financial and in-kind contributions to support social and behavioral change programs, which are essential to advancing public health in Ghana.
The active engagement of the private sector is vital to enhancing the committee’s efforts, ensuring the integration of best practices, and fostering innovative solutions. Additionally, media involvement plays a crucial role in dispelling myths and overcoming cultural barriers that hinder healthcare promotion efforts.
This partnership is expected to ensure the sustainability of health promotion initiatives, drawing on the diverse expertise and perspectives of various stakeholders to develop impactful health messages. Effective coordination among all partners is essential for achieving the initiative’s goals.
Since its inception in July 2023, the National Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on Health Promotion (ICC-HP) has convened 12 meetings, established regional ICC-HPs, and executed several health promotion campaigns.
Looking ahead, the committee is committed to a holistic implementation of health promotion strategies, aiming to optimize resource utilization and improve the overall well-being of Ghanaians.