The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has described Ghana’s rollout of the Free Primary Health Care initiative as a significant milestone toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, April 16, Dr Ghebreyesus noted that the initiative positions Ghana to strengthen its healthcare system by prioritising primary care. He emphasised that robust primary healthcare structures are critical to improving population health outcomes.

According to him, a strong primary healthcare system enables earlier detection of diseases, ensures timely treatment, and enhances prevention efforts, all of which are essential for advancing national health goals.

The initiative, introduced under President John Dramani Mahama, is aimed at expanding access to essential health services, particularly in underserved communities.

Its initial phase targets 150 underserved districts nationwide, with implementation expected over a two-month period. The programme focuses on preventive care, including routine screening for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancers, alongside maternal health services like antenatal and postnatal care.

It also includes immunisation efforts and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections, as well as public health education on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe water practices.