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HFFG urges government to prioritize health financing in 2025 Budget for sustainable Universal Health Coverage

By: Hannah Dadzie

Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) and its partners have commended the government for presenting the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy but are calling for increased and sustainable health financing to drive Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

While acknowledging the government’s decision to increase the health budget from GHS 15.6 billion in 2024 to GHS 17.8 billion in 2025, a nominal increase of 13.4%, HFFG noted that this still falls short of the 15% commitment outlined in the Abuja Declaration.

In a statement, the organisation said, after adjusting for inflation, the real value of the 2025 health budget has declined by 23%, which could hinder service delivery and UHC progress.

HFFG commended the Government’s commitment to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) totaling GHS 9.93 billion, aimed at supporting vaccine procurement, claims payments, procurement of essential medicines, bridging donor gaps such as USAID financial shortfalls, free Primary Health Care, and critical care services.

While this is a step in the right direction, the Ministry of Finance must release funds to the NHIA without delay. Additionally, the Ministry of Health should submit timely requests to facilitate the NHIA in fulfilling its mandate.

The organization also highlighted the urgent need for sustainable domestic funding as Ghana prepares for the exit of Gavi support by 2029, to avoid vaccine stockouts and maintain public health gains. They emphasized the importance of achieving vaccine sovereignty. Additionally, HFFG acknowledged the government’s focus on epidemic preparedness and response, but called for a dedicated pool of resources for emergency preparedness, noting the country’s vulnerability to outbreaks.

HFFG’s Key Recommendations:

• Timely Release of Vaccine Co-financing Funds – The government must ensure the prompt release of funds to meet Ghana’s vaccine obligations to prevent shortages and disease outbreaks.

• Increased Health Budget Allocation – Ghana should work towards the Abuja Declaration target of 15% of the national budget for health, as the current 6.32% allocation is insufficient.

• More Domestic Funding for Primary Health Care and Immunization – While the uncapping of NHIL is commendable, additional domestic resources are needed to cover expanded services.

• Dedicated Emergency Preparedness Fund – Ghana needs a reserved funding pool to respond to health emergencies, given the emergence of new disease strains requiring costly treatment.

HFFG reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to ensure equitable health financing and uninterrupted access to essential health services. The organization urged policymakers to act swiftly to address these critical gaps to safeguard the health of all Ghanaians.

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KATH doctors suspend surgeries indefinitely due to severe water shortage

By Josephine Kekeli

Surgical doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, have suspended all surgical procedures indefinitely due to a severe water shortage that has disrupted operations at the facility.

Hospital authorities report that the water supply issue has persisted since last week, making surgical procedures unsafe and significantly affecting essential healthcare services.

In response to the crisis, the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association issued a memo on March 25, instructing management to comply with the suspension to safeguard patient safety and well-being.

The memo emphasized the critical role of water in maintaining hygiene, performing surgeries, and ensuring proper patient care. However, the ongoing shortage has compromised these essential functions, leaving doctors with no choice but to halt surgical cases temporarily.

“This memo is to formally inform management of the decision taken by the Orthopaedic and Emergency Directorate to temporarily halt the admission of new patients until water supply is restored,” the statement read.

Despite ongoing efforts to manage the crisis, the memo highlighted that the situation has reached a critical level, posing serious risks to patient safety and healthcare delivery.

Dr. Michael Leat, Chairman of the Association, assured that doctors remain committed to attending to existing cases and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the suspension.

The association also urged hospital management to explore alternative water supply solutions and provide regular updates on efforts to resolve the crisis.

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Want to live better in old age? Scientists advise following these eating habits

A new large-scale study tracked people’s dietary habits and health outcomes from midlife to about age 70. This is what they found out.

Eating a diet that is mostly plant-based – and that skips red meat and ultra-processed foods – is tied to better physical and mental health in old age, a large new analysis shows.

The study, which was published in the journal Nature Medicine, tracked about 105,000 people in the United States for up to 30 years.

It analysed health outcomes associated with eight diets and eating habits, including the Mediterranean diet, which emphasises olive oil, fish, and nuts, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which restricts sodium to help control blood pressure.

Around age 70, the healthiest people’s diets included plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, beans and other legumes, and “moderate” levels of animal-based foods such as low-fat dairy.

Less than 1 in 10 are ageing healthily

While research into diet and health outcomes is nothing new, the study authors said their analysis is one of the first to hit upon how different eating habits in midlife are tied to healthy ageing overall.

In the study, people were considered to be ageing well if they reached 70 without any major chronic conditions, if their brain function was still good, and if they had “intact” mental health and physical abilities.

Compared with other research on healthy ageing, Guasch-Ferré said this is a more comprehensive view that takes into account quality of life rather than just how long people live.

“Do we really want to live longer, or do we want to live better?” she said.

Yet fewer than one in 10 people actually met the bar for healthy ageing, the analysis found.

While the study was done in the US, Guasch-Ferré said the results likely hold up in Europe as well.

The study has some limitations, however. While the researchers tried to take factors like socioeconomic status into account, other issues such as genetics, the environment, and access to healthcare could also play a role in the diet-health nexus.

Even so, Guasch-Ferré said the findings could be used to tweak dietary guidelines – and to help incentivise people to make healthier dining choices.

“Of course, healthy ageing is not just [about] the diet,” she said. But “any improvement on the diet could help”.

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SOURCE: EURONEWS

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Finland named world’s happiest country for 8th year in a row with top 5 countries all in Europe

For the eighth year in a row, Finland has been named the world’s happiest country in the World Happiness Report published on Thursday.

Compiled annually by pollster Gallup, the United Nations, and the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, the report uses data gathered from over 140 countries around the world.

As in previous editions of the report, the top 10 is dominated by European countries with all but three entries from the continent.

Within that group, the top four in the 2025 report continue to be an all-Nordic affair with Finland being closed followed by Denmark (second), Iceland (third), and Sweden (fourth).

How do you measure happiness?

The notion of happiness is in itself subjective but the annual World Happiness Report rankings are based on subjective life evaluations compiled over the past three years from the Gallup World Poll in cooperation with the University of Oxford and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Interdisciplinary experts from the fields of economics, psychology, and sociology are then called in to review the data and make evaluations.

The variables quantified by the report’s authors include income (GDP per capita), healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption.

For the first time, the 2025 report’s data crunchers have looked at the impact of benevolent behaviour on our well-being and happiness levels.

Importance of caring

“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth – it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back,” Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup, said. “If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other”.

Researchers say that beyond health and wealth, some factors that influence happiness sound deceptively simple: sharing meals with others, having somebody to count on for social support, and household size. 

In Mexico and Europe, for example, a household size of four to five people predicts the highest levels of happiness, the study said.

While the report authors note the importance of the family unit as a hallmark of caring and sharing, with large Latin American households being particularly singled out, the growing trend towards loneliness – most strongly felt by young people – is still prevalent. 

In 2023, 19 per cent of young adults globally reported having no one to rely on for support, an increase of 39 per cent compared to 2006.

However, believing in the kindness of others is also much more closely tied to happiness than previously thought, according to the latest findings.

As an example, the report suggests that people who believe that others are willing to return their lost wallet is a strong predictor of the overall happiness of a population.

Nordic nations rank among the top places for expected and actual return of lost wallets, the study found.

According to Alexandra Peth, a managing director of a bioindustry trade association in Finland, said Finnish culture prioritises trust and connection.

“People trust each other in Finland and I think on many levels in the society, we try to support each other,” Peth said. “So I think the system makes it kind of that you can trust it somehow”.

Overall, researchers said that global evidence on the perceived and actual return of lost wallets shows that people are much too pessimistic about the kindness of their communities compared to reality – actual rates of wallet return are around twice as high as people expect.

Which 10 countries were the least happy?

Afghanistan retains its position at the bottom of the table, with the bottom 10 largely remaining the same country-wise though their positions have been shuffled somewhat.

138. Lesotho

139. Comoros

140. Yemen

141. DR Congo

142. Botswana

143. Zimbabwe

144. Malawi

145. Lebanon

146. Sierre Leone

147. Afghanistan

Which countries were the 10 happiest?

The four happiest countries remain unchanged in 2025 with the Nordic countries carrying the top spots again this year.

However, there have been some changes in the rest of the top 10 with Costa Rica and Mexico pushing Switzerland and Australia – which took the ninth and tenth spots respectively in 2024 – further down the table.

The Netherlands moved up a spot in this year’s report to make it an all-European top five.

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. The Netherlands
6. Costa Rica
7. Norway
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Mexico

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Charcoal use persists in Ghana despite health risks – GhACCF

By Joyce Kantam Kolamong

Efforts to promote the adoption of clean energy sources for cooking in Ghana have encountered both challenges and opportunities.

At a National Stakeholder Policy and Strategy Forum on Clean Cooking in Tamale, the CEO of the Ghana Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and Fuels (GhACCF), Mohammed Aminu Lukmanu, highlighted the country’s progress and challenges in transitioning to cleaner cooking methods. He noted that charcoal remains a widely used energy source, particularly in urban areas, despite its health risks.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), he revealed that approximately 28,000 people die annually in Ghana due to indoor air pollution caused by burning firewood and charcoal.

“Charcoal is used more in urban areas, at about 27%, than in rural areas. This is evident in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, where truckloads of charcoal are transported from regions like Afram Plains, Northern Region, and Kintampo,” Mr. Lukmanu stated.

He attributed the preference for charcoal to its perceived efficiency and lower pollution levels compared to firewood. However, he warned of the severe environmental consequences of charcoal production, particularly in northern Ghana, where the Siena tree is being over-harvested.

“It takes four units of wood to produce one unit of charcoal in the northern sector due to the hardwood. This has led to the depletion of Siena trees, which are being cut down for charcoal production,” he explained.

To mitigate this, Mr. Lukmanu advocated for the use of sustainable feedstock for charcoal production, such as savannah grass, corn harvest waste, and cocoa pods. He also emphasized the need for further research and data collection to better understand the impact of indoor air pollution on public health.

In addition to health risks, he noted that the rising cost of LPG has driven many Ghanaians back to using charcoal and firewood. However, he pointed out that electricity remains a cheaper and cleaner alternative for cooking.

“Cooking with electricity is cheaper than firewood, charcoal, and LPG. With approximately 87% of Ghana having access to electricity, promoting e-cooking or electric cooking is a viable solution,” he asserted.

Stakeholders, including traditional authorities, pledged to use their platforms to educate and sensitize their communities on the benefits of adopting LPG as a cleaner alternative to charcoal. However, they acknowledged that convincing people to switch from charcoal to LPG remains a challenge due to its widespread availability.

To address this, they urged the government to make LPG products more affordable and accessible to the average Ghanaian. They also emphasized the need for more convenient LPG refilling services and a reliable distribution network to support the transition to cleaner cooking fuels.

The National Stakeholder Forum was organized by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.

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PCOS: Understanding the silent hormonal disorder affecting millions of women

By: Brain Akutei-Azu Mateko

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting millions of women worldwide, yet many remain unaware of its impact. It is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and, in some cases, infertility.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 13–16% of women of reproductive age, with up to 70% of those affected remaining undiagnosed globally.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but experts believe it is linked to genetic and environmental factors. High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), leading to symptoms like excessive hair growth and acne. Increased levels of testosterone and other androgens disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles. PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary link.

Common symptoms include irregular or missed periods, excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp, acne or oily skin, and difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation. Some women also experience mood swings, fatigue, and sleep problems.

Since the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, there is no sure way to prevent it. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing severe symptoms. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress levels can improve hormonal balance and overall well-being.

While there is no outright cure for PCOS, it can be managed effectively with the right approach. Treatment depends on the symptoms and whether a woman is trying to conceive. Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes, such as weight management through diet and exercise, to improve insulin resistance and regulate periods. Medications can also help, including:

• Birth control pills – To regulate menstrual cycles and reduce excess androgen levels, which can help with acne and hair growth.

• Metformin – A diabetes medication that helps lower insulin resistance and improve ovulation.

• Clomiphene (Clomid) and Letrozole – Used to stimulate ovulation in women who want to conceive.

• Spironolactone – An anti-androgen medication that can reduce excessive hair growth.

Despite the challenges that come with PCOS, women should not feel discouraged.

A PCOS diagnosis does not mean a woman cannot have children, live a healthy life, or feel confident in her body. Many women with PCOS go on to conceive naturally or with medical assistance. The key is early diagnosis, proper management, and emotional support.

PCOS is not a life sentence—it is a condition that can be managed with the right lifestyle, medical care, and self-acceptance. Women should seek medical attention if they notice symptoms and remember that they are not alone in this journey. With the right support and treatment, they can live full, healthy, and happy lives.

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World TB Day 2025: Ghana Health Service advocates for stronger interventions

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has marked this year’s World Tuberculosis (TB) Day with a call for increased commitment, investment, and effective delivery of TB control measures.

Under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the commemoration emphasized the urgent need for action to eliminate the disease. Stakeholders at the event identified key challenges hindering TB control in Ghana, including stigma, limited access to diagnostic tools, and inadequate funding.

In his address, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted Ghana’s progress in TB case detection while acknowledging persisting gaps. 

He revealed that in 2024, the country recorded over 20,000 TB cases—a significant improvement—yet still below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 44,000 cases annually.

In a statement, the Minister stated their commitment to ending TB by increasing funding for control activities, improving access to diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert machines and digital X-rays, and strengthening the healthcare systems to ensure no TB patient goes undiagnosed or untreated.

Mr. Akandoh also urged Ghanaians to actively participate in the fight against TB by raising awareness in their communities, supporting affected individuals, and encouraging early testing. He challenged the public to reflect on their contributions, asking: “Can you raise awareness? Can you support someone with TB? Can you encourage others to get tested?”

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, reinforced the theme’s message, stating that eliminating TB requires strong leadership commitment, sustained investments, and effective implementation of TB interventions. He announced that Ghana’s National TB Control Program has revised its guidelines to align with WHO’s latest global standards.

Adding to the discourse, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the National TB Control Program, emphasized the importance of research in identifying undiagnosed TB cases.

 She urged stakeholders to continue investing in TB control efforts.

“Let us commit our time, our resources, and our men into TB control effort,” she urged.

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Ending open defecation: Rural Ghana takes bold steps for clean communities

By Jones Anlimah

Several communities across Ghana are making remarkable progress in sanitation, thanks to interventions by key stakeholders including Plan International Ghana. Under its Integrated Package for Sustainable Development (I-PADEV) Project, a total of 16 participatory communities have been declared Open defecation free (ODF). This achievement aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.

So far, 10 communities in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region, including Asele, Lekanti, Nanankor, Udey, Atwereboana, Atonkor, Akaa, Koensim, Ketsi Nkwanta, and Dzoku, have attained ODF status. In the North East Region, six communities in West Mamprusi—Boayini #1, Boayini #2, Kpabugu, Zanguga, Sagadugu #1, and Sagadugu #2—have also been declared ODF. Additionally, four more communities—Gbani, Diani, Tinkaya, and Manga in the North East Region are in the final stages of meeting ODF requirements.

A visit by GBC News to Koensim, one of the communities in Jasikan district of the Oti region revealed a significant transformation. Unlike many rural areas where open defecation and improper waste disposal remain challenges, Koensim community was visibly clean, with no traces of human waste in open spaces. Every household has been encouraged to construct a toilet facility, a key requirement for achieving ODF status and compliance is near universal.

As a result of demonstration latrines constructed in the community, households have realized that there are a lot of local materials available in their community that can be used for latrine construction.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, the Chief of Koensim, Fuseini Musa, expressed gratitude to Plan International Ghana for supporting their sanitation efforts. He noted, “Plan International Ghana has brought us water; you again have brought us to a situation where our sanitation has improved. Thanks to Plan International Ghana, we no longer record high cases of faecal-related diseases in this community because of your intervention to encourage each household to build a toilet facility.”

To sustain this achievement, community bye-laws have been introduced, including a GHC 150 fine for improper faecal waste disposal. The enforcement of these regulations has led to a significant decline in sanitation-related diseases, further improving public health.

Plan International Ghana’s efforts highlight the importance of community-driven approaches to sanitation. By encouraging behavioral change, promoting toilet construction, and enforcing sanitation by-laws, these initiatives are not only improving hygiene but also contributing to national and global targets for sustainable development.

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Government ready to invest in gene drive technology to fight malaria as African scientists push for approval

By Doreen Ampofo

African scientists gathered in Accra from March 17 to 20, 2025, to deliberate on how genetic solutions can be used to, among other things, combat malaria transmission on the continent.

The scientists, who met for four days, championed the use of gene drive technology to alter the genes of female Anopheles mosquitoes, either rendering them infertile or producing only male mosquitoes, which cannot transmit malaria.

According to them, if this technology is adopted in Africa, the population of female Anopheles mosquitoes—responsible for malaria transmission—could be drastically reduced in just four months.

Africa bears a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, accounting for over 95% of all malaria deaths and cases. Despite efforts such as the distribution of treated bed nets, insecticides, and vaccines, the disease persists, with Ghana recording 15 malaria cases per 1,000 people.

This challenge is one of the reasons scientists gathered at the 2nd Global Congress on Genetic Biocontrol Technology, where they shared modern technologies for malaria control and experiences across diverse disciplines related to genetic biocontrol.

A scientist and Professor at the University of Glasgow, UK, Fedros Ukumu, who explained how the gene drive technology can be used to eradicate malaria, said the technology was discovered in the West and has been in existence since 2016.

He stated that the African Union (AU) has encouraged African scientists to study the technology abroad and test its application in Africa.

Prof. Ukumu explained that while all have several genes that are similar, there are genes that are different. He said:

“So, we look at the specific gene that makes the Anopheles mosquito different as well as the part that makes it transmit malaria and diseases. That is the part that we manipulate such that when the mosquito reproduces, the offspring picks up the new genes. This can only be done with gene drive and no other technologies.”

Speaking at the opening of the Global Congress, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting gene drive technology to reduce Ghana’s malaria burden.

He indicated that Ghana spends hundreds of millions of Ghana Cedis annually on malaria treatment, with over 11,000 people losing their lives to the disease each year. He stressed that if an effective and safe technology is available, the government will invest in it.

“If there is a process by which we will be able to come out with a vaccine that is reliable and dependable that will help reduce malaria infection and there won’t be any direct fatal consequences, why should I be against it? To the extent that it is multifaceted, you need the collaboration of all these industries and agencies to work together. But one thing I can assure you is that the political will to support them in that drive is unflinching,” he said.

The President of the Congress, Dr. Misheck Mulumba, highlighted the need for a One Health Approach in applying biocontrol technologies. He pointed out that rapid response measures are crucial in mitigating the economic fallout and health impacts of infectious disease outbreaks.

“The application of a one health approach in containing the negative effects of outbreaks will reduce both the cost and suffering of the population, both humans and animals. It is therefore important for concerted effort to be made in employing the one health approach however possible in applying gene drive and other technologies to confront our challenges.”

The congress was held in partnership with the National Biosafety Authority.

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