Paediatric Society of Ghana Calls for Stronger Partnerships to Improve Child Healthcare

A global study estimates that 43% of children under five are not reaching their full potential, primarily because they lack access to the five key elements of nurturing care. As a result, many children struggle with cognitive, language, and psychosocial development, leading to poor academic performance and an increased risk of dropping out of school.

In response to these concerns, the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG), whose vision is to ensure that every child in Ghana has access to quality healthcare and essential resources for optimal growth and development, has called for stronger partnerships to bridge gaps in child healthcare delivery.

Speaking at the Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), themed “Universal Health Coverage: Bridging Gaps and Building Resilience in Child Healthcare,” Dr. Hilda Boye emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between the government and private sector to address disparities in child healthcare services.

“There are significant gaps in child health financing. To ensure quality healthcare for all children, we need sustained partnerships between the government and organizations supporting child healthcare services,” Dr. Boye stated.

She further noted that the Paediatric Society of Ghana is committed to working with stakeholders, NGOs, and philanthropists to create awareness and strengthen interventions aimed at promoting quality and equitable child healthcare.

Recognizing Child Healthcare Champions

As part of its efforts to strengthen partnerships, the Paediatric Society of Ghana honored distinguished individuals and organizations that have demonstrated long-term commitment to improving child health equity in Ghana.

Among the honorees was Kwame Sefa Kayi, host of the Kokrokoo Show, who was recognized for his contributions through the Kokrokoo Charities Foundation. His initiative, Project 100, has so far donated 62 life-saving incubators to hospitals and health facilities across Ghana.

The Paediatric Society of Ghana acknowledged his invaluable medical support, which has significantly improved the survival chances of pre-term babies. In response, Kwame Sefa Kayi expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to achieving the foundation’s goal:

“We started with a target of 100 incubators, and with 38 more to go, this honor will motivate us to continue supporting child health development in Ghana.”

Also honored was Prof. Afua Hesse, Ghana’s first locally trained female paediatric surgeon. She emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration in child healthcare, stressing that sustained quality care at all levels of the health system is crucial in addressing inequalities.

By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline