Perspectives

Family planning (FP) is about spacing births. It allows couples, especially women, to plan when to have children and how many to have. Today, even some adolescents turn to FP to prevent unwanted pregnancies and early parenting. As an adolescent myself, I must admit that my knowledge of FP is limited. Most of what I […]

I can not even imagine my sister or little cousin being subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The thought of them enduring such pain, not knowing if they would survive, is unbearable. And for what? Chastity? Tradition? Is this practice truly worth the suffering of millions of girls and women around the world? Understanding FGM: […]

Fellow Ghanaians, Allow us to guide your vote on December 7, 2024 The December 7, 2024 election must not be another contest of promises. It is a pivotal moment for the future of Ghana’s health system and the well-being of all Ghanaians. We must demand that health be recognized as a right, not a privilege […]

Obtaining mental health services is often a struggle, especially when socio-economic and cultural factors influence how mental health is perceived. As Jorney Baldwin, a Communications and Mental Health Advocate, explains, many cultures misunderstand or overlook what constitutes a mental health issue. In some cultures, there is the belief that only severe cases, such as schizophrenia […]

Globally, pursuing health equity is a continuous endeavour, and Ghana is no exception. Despite strides in healthcare delivery and access, the nation faces multifaceted challenges that impede progress toward achieving equitable health outcomes for all. Ghana’s healthcare system is grappling with systemic issues that undermine its capacity to deliver equitable care. Inadequate funding and resource […]

Inclusive development is fundamental to achieving rights-based, equitable growth that would make the world a better place for everyone. That is why urgent attention must be directed at every area where women and any other vulnerable demographic or social group lacks access to critical services and resources; and does not have a say in how […]

Abstinence is the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse, or consumption of intoxicating beverages. Concerning adolescents, practicing abstinence requires high motivation, dedication, and a deep understanding from both partners. The advantages of abstinence cannot be emphasized enough, as it is the only birth control method that has a 100% success […]

Despite efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement innovative and advanced strategies to combat malaria, the World Malaria Report 2022 indicates that more than 600,000 people die of malaria yearly. Most of these deaths still occur among children under five, who are the most vulnerable. Suboptimal quality of health care and access to […]

It has been more than five decades since the National Family Planning Programme, which seeks to assist couples and individuals of all ages to achieve their reproductive goals and improve their general reproductive health was established. Although the country has made progress, including the integration of family planning in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme benefits […]

14 June 2022 On 14 June every year, the global community marks World Blood Donor Day to focus on the gift of life from voluntary unpaid blood donors around the world. Once again, we, as WHO in the African Region, join the call for more people to become regular blood donors. This year’s theme, Donating […]