“Stronger media-health partnership will boost public awareness and healthcare outcomes” - Journalists urged

A fresh call has been made for deeper collaboration between Ghana’s media and health institutions to tackle the information deficit that continues to limit healthcare access and outcomes across the country.

The appeal was made during a health media engagement organised by Jhpiego in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service.

The programme brought together journalists, healthcare professionals and development partners to explore ways of strengthening public health communication.

Addressing participants, Greater Accra Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Robert Amesiya, said Ghana has made notable investments in health infrastructure, workforce development and community health systems, yet many citizens still struggle to benefit fully from available services.

According to him, the challenge is not only about resources, but also about ensuring that people have the right information at the right time.

He noted that many residents remain unaware of healthcare services available to them, where to seek care, and the preventive actions necessary to stay healthy.

Mr. Amesiya further explained that the Greater Accra Region, with over 1,900 communities, requires targeted communication strategies that reflect the unique needs of different populations rather than blanket messaging.

He emphasised that the media has a vital responsibility in shaping health outcomes by educating the public, promoting accurate information and encouraging healthy behaviour.

Country Director of Jhpiego, Dr. Pearl Nanka-Bruce, also underscored the importance of public awareness, citing Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative as one programme that depends heavily on effective communication.

She said preventive interventions such as screening for hypertension, diabetes and cancers can only make an impact when citizens understand their importance and make use of them.

Health officials at the event also outlined several projects currently being implemented to improve service delivery nationwide.

A maternal and newborn health programme in the Eastern Region is supporting six health facilities through training, mentorship and the provision of essential equipment.

More than 900 health workers have benefited, while point-of-care ultrasound and practical simulation labs are helping improve the management of pregnancy-related complications.

In cancer care, the “Beat Breast Cancer” initiative is focused on promoting early detection and reducing the number of women presenting with advanced-stage disease.

The project is integrating breast examination into routine healthcare and decentralising diagnostic services to district-level facilities.

Officials disclosed that diagnostic turnaround time has been reduced to 39 days, well below the international benchmark of 60 days, with further plans to achieve same-day diagnosis.

Participants were also briefed on the RISE project, which aims to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness for future disease outbreaks through better surveillance, improved laboratory systems and faster emergency response.

Experts warned that with increasing mobility and urban population growth, future outbreaks remain a possibility, referencing experiences with Ebola, H1N1 and COVID-19.

The initiative promotes a “One Health” model that links human health, animal health and environmental sectors in managing zoonotic threats.

Media practitioners were encouraged to help counter misinformation, raise awareness and build trust during public health emergencies.

Officials also highlighted investments in oxygen delivery systems, including Pressure Swing Adsorption plants and liquid oxygen infrastructure in selected facilities.

These systems are helping hospitals generate reliable oxygen supplies locally, reducing reliance on cylinders and improving care for emergency and critically ill patients.

Training programmes for engineers, clinicians and managers are also underway to ensure long-term maintenance and sustainability.

Participants agreed that healthcare progress in Ghana will depend not only on medical resources, but also on clear, relatable and audience-focused communication.

The engagement is expected to lead to stronger partnerships between the media and health institutions, helping improve awareness, increase service uptake and save lives.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith