The Ghana Health Service (GHS), has inaugurated seven (7) member Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee for Health Promotion for the Savannah Region.
This follows the successful establishment of similar committees in the other four northern regions of Ghana, that is Upper East, Upper West, Northern and North East. The ICC-HP embodies a joint initiative involving diverse agencies and stakeholders, committed to independent problem-solving and promoting the advancement of health promotion throughout the nation.
The seven-member committee, comprising stakeholders from diverse backgrounds of expertise, has been tasked with the responsibility of promoting good health practices amongst the populace and also causing behavioral change.
The ICC-HP has since its establishment in June 2010, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sought to leverage and synchronize the expertise of key stakeholders to improve the health and well-being of the Ghanaian population.
As champions of health promotion, the committee strategically partners with government agencies to advocate for and execute policies that advance public health initiatives. Through ongoing efforts in health promotion services, the ICC-HP aims to foster a healthier nation for all Ghanaians.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the acting Director of the Health Promotion Division- Ghana Health Service, Mrs. Mabel Kissiwah Asafo, said the formation of the committees across the country has become crucial as non-communicable diseases increase in the country.
Mrs Mabel Kissiwah Asafo, while emphasizing the role of the newly inaugurated members. Thus, charged them to carry out their responsibility effectively.
In his welcome remarks, the Savanna Regional Health Director, Dr Josephant Ana-Amwime Nyuzagh, said one of the key pillars of any public health response to emergencies is the need for effective risk communication which is crucial in ensuring that communities have access to accurate and trusted information.
“I’m confident that the committee will be able to work more efficiently after the training and lead to a robust and resilient risk communication and community engagement system capable of responding to public health emergencies in the savannah region”, he said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Savannah Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee for Health Promotion, Dr Micheal Biredu says the committee will work diligently to deliver on its mandate.
Story By: Alhassan Yakubu |www.diamondfmonline.com |Ghana.
