GHS Boss calls for integrated approach to fight TB, HIV and Malaria

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called for a more integrated and efficient approach in tackling tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria, stressing that the changing global funding landscape demands smarter use of available resources.

Speaking at the Joint Annual Performance Review for the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) and National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) held at the Ghana Health Service Headquarters in Pantang, Dr. Akoriyea said integration of health programmes is no longer merely an administrative reform but a clinical and public health necessity.

According to him, although the government has demonstrated strong commitment to the health sector through increased domestic investments, the reality remains that global donor support is gradually declining, making it imperative for Ghana to strengthen internal systems and maximise available resources.

Dr. Akoriyea cited government initiatives such as the Free Primary Health Care programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and increased central budget allocations to the health sector as clear indications of the state’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

However, he stressed that the future sustainability of key health programmes will depend largely on leadership, innovation and accountability at regional and district levels.

“Sustainability will depend less on external support and more on leadership, innovation and accountability within our own governance systems,” he said.

The Director-General urged regional and district health managers, medical superintendents and facility leaders to take full ownership of programme performance by closely monitoring data, supervising personnel effectively and ensuring the optimal use of medical equipment and commodities.

He noted that while national programmes will continue to provide policy direction and strategic guidance, the real performance outcomes will be determined by leadership at the regional and district levels.

Dr. Akoriyea also raised concerns about low TB case notification rates, calling for routine TB screening to become standard practice across all health facilities and community service points.

He emphasized that every patient presenting with prolonged cough must be screened for tuberculosis to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.

On HIV, the Director-General called for a shift away from treating the disease as a stand-alone programme, advocating for its full integration into routine health services.

“HIV care must be fully integrated into routine health service delivery. HIV data is health system data, and leadership engagement with this information is essential for improving service delivery,” he stated.

Touching on malaria, Dr. Akoriyea acknowledged Ghana’s significant progress in reducing malaria mortality, describing it as one of the country’s most notable public health achievements.

Despite the gains, he cautioned that achieving malaria elimination will require stronger national commitment, improved coverage across communities and increased domestic resource mobilisation.

He therefore urged regional and district health directors to actively collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and regional coordinating councils to mobilise local resources to support malaria elimination efforts.

Dr. Akoriyea further stressed the importance of accurate and transparent data, warning that misleading reports undermine effective decision-making.

“I am not interested in reports that appear impressive but conceal the reality. I am interested in truthful data that enables action,” he emphasised.

He also called for stronger collaboration among development partners, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and patient advocacy groups to design sustainable transition strategies as global health financing evolves.

The Director-General acknowledged the critical role played by faith-based and private health service providers, particularly the Christian Health Association of Ghana, in delivering essential health services across the country.

Dr. Akoriyea expressed optimism that with strong leadership, evidence-based planning and disciplined implementation, Ghana can achieve major public health goals including ending TB transmission, eliminating HIV infections among future generations and reducing malaria deaths to zero.

He urged stakeholders to use the meeting to conduct honest assessments of health system gaps, develop clear regional action plans, and propose practical strategies for integrating TB, HIV and malaria programmes to strengthen the country’s overall health system.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar