ARHR implemented the GESI project from 2017 to 2020 across three districts— (South Dayi, KEEA, Agona East) in two Regions (Volta and Central) of Ghana. The STAR Ghana-funded initiative aimed to ensure the systematic integration of gender equality and social inclusion into Universal Health Coverage in Ghana. Some major outcomes of the project included:
Recognition of and effective planning for gender and social differentials in UHC-related initiatives at the district and national levels. ARHR developed a GESI framework to track the impact of these development initiatives, policies, and programs on marginalized and vulnerable groups, aspects of which have since been integrated into the annual and action plans of implementing project districts and municipals— to ensure that activities are GESI compliant. At the national level, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) uses aspects of the framework to develop a Standard Operating Protocol for providing SRH services for PWDs.
Utilization of evidence from the GESI monitoring by non-state and state actors (policy and decision-makers, health providers) to ensure provisions of gender equality and social inclusion in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Community-Based Health Plan and Services (CHPS)—the two key operational strategies for achieving UHC in Ghana.
Enhanced capacity of socially excluded groups to demand accountable health care. In some communities, this resulted in the formation of committees championing GESI issues which translated to concrete actions. For PWDs’ convenience in accessing healthcare, the KEEA municipal, for instance, constructed a ramp at the Elmina Polyclinic.