The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised President John Dramani Mahama for the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care initiative, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s health system and advancing universal access to care.
In a post on X on Thursday, April 16, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the importance of the programme, noting that strong primary healthcare systems are critical to disease prevention and early treatment.
“This important milestone brings Ghana closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage. Strong primary health care is essential to improving population health, enabling earlier detection, timely treatment, and more effective disease prevention,” he stated.
The Free Primary Health Care initiative is a key component of the Mahama administration’s policy agenda, aimed at expanding access to essential health services, especially in underserved communities across the country.
Under its first phase, the programme will be rolled out in 150 underserved districts over the next two months, targeting populations with limited access to quality healthcare.
The policy marks a shift from a largely treatment-focused system to a prevention-driven approach. It includes routine screening for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and various cancers, alongside maternal health services including antenatal and postnatal care.
The initiative also covers immunisation services and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections, which remain among the leading causes of morbidity nationwide.
In addition, the programme places strong emphasis on public health education, offering guidance on family planning, menstrual hygiene and safe water practices as part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and improve long-term health outcomes.