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Standard Chartered empowers next generation of girls to embrace their periods proudly

Every month, over one billion girls and women around the world experience menstruation, yet for many, this natural biological process is shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and cultural misconceptions.

In communities where access to menstrual hygiene products and education remains limited, young girls risk exclusion, embarrassment, and even missing out on their education.

Recognising the need to change this narrative, Standard Chartered Bank, in partnership with United Way Ghana, organised a menstrual health awareness session dubbed ‘Her Wellness Hub’ at the Pantang Presby Basic School to mark World Menstrual Health Day. The session provided a safe space for young girls to learn, ask questions, and openly discuss menstruation without shame.

Medical practioner and health advocate, Dr. Hanna-Lisa Tetteh, led an interactive session debunking harmful menstrual myths such as the belief that girls should not bathe during their period or that menstruation is a curse. She emphasised the importance of good hygiene practices, from regular bathing to proper use of sanitary pads and demonstrated how to properly wear a pad.

The conversation extended beyond physical care, addressing the emotional and social challenges many young girls face during menstruation, especially in spaces where boys and even adults may not be sensitised. Students bravely shared personal experiences of discomfort and stigma, highlighting the pressing need for more period-positive conversations in schools, homes, and communities.

Female staff from Standard Chartered joined breakout sessions, offering mentorship and candidly answering the girls’ questions about growing up, managing their period in public spaces, and navigating insensitive cultural beliefs. Their presence not only fostered connection but underscored the Bank’s sincere commitment to girl-child empowerment.

To ensure that no girl is left behind due to a lack of resources, Standard Chartered distributed dignity kits including locally made sanitary pads, shaving sticks, and new underwear to all girls present at the event. The Bank also donated additional pads to the school for future use.

“Periods are not a curse. They’re a normal part of life, and no girl should feel ashamed because of it,” remarked one of the students, echoing the importance of the initiative in changing the way menstruation is viewed in communities.

This event is one of many under Standard Chartered’s social impact initiatives, reinforcing the Bank’s mission to empower communities and champion inclusion, especially for young girls who represent Ghana’s future leaders.

Ultramodern Pentecost Hospital opens in Bolgatanga

Residents of Bolgatanga, the capital of Ghana’s Upper East Region, and surrounding communities have heaved a sigh of relief following the inauguration of the ultra-modern Pentecost Hospital at Kumbagre, a suburb of Bolgatanga.

The 35-bed, AI-powered facility, an initiative of The Church of Pentecost, arrives at a critical time, as the region continues to grapple with limited access to quality healthcare. According to the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, only 60% of births in the region were attended by skilled health personnel, and antenatal care coverage remains below national targets.

The new Pentecost Hospital is expected to ease the burden on existing health infrastructure and improve health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health, in a region where healthcare access has long been a challenge.

The facility was commissioned and dedicated by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, assisted by traditional leaders, officials of the Ghana Health Servicew, government functionaries and top security offiicals in the region.

The ‘AI Hospital’ Advantage

Beyond its impressive physical infrastructure, the Pentecost Hospital stands out as an ‘AI hospital.’ This designation signifies its integration of artificial intelligence technologies aimed at enhancing diagnostics, improving clinical decision-making, and streamlining patient management.

In a region facing workforce challenges, AI can augment the capabilities of healthcare providers, assist in early disease detection through medical imaging analysis, and potentially facilitate remote consultations, thus expanding reach to underserved communities. This aligns with Ghana’s national AI strategy, which seeks to leverage technology for improved public health delivery.

The 35-bed facility is equipped with advanced medical technologies and will offer a comprehensive range of services, including general outpatient and inpatient care, emergency services, maternity care, and various specialised clinics.

How the journey began

The journey to this significant milestone began in 2017, ignited by a harrowing car accident involving a pastor of the Church and his family. The subsequent 16-hour ordeal to transfer the critically injured to distant hospitals underscored the dire need for accessible, quality healthcare in Bolgatanga. This spurred the Church’s Bolgatanga Area Executive Committee, then led by Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah Agyeman (current Area Head for Teshie-Nungua), to envision a local clinic, a vision that rapidly expanded under the Church’s broader societal transformation agenda (Vision 2028).

Bridging the Healthcare Gap

The Upper East Region currently grapples with significant healthcare challenges, including a severe shortage of medical professionals (one doctor for every 24,124 patients, one nurse for every 313 patients), inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential medical supplies, particularly in rural areas. High attrition rates among health professionals further exacerbate these issues. The Pentecost Hospital arrives as a critical intervention.

‘This region has long struggled with access to quality healthcare,’ stated a local health official, adding, ‘The arrival of a facility of this caliber is truly transformative.’

A Lasting Legacy

As the doors of Pentecost Hospital opens, it is poised to significantly alleviate healthcare burdens in the Upper East Region, serve the broader Northern regions of Ghana, and potentially extend its impact to neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso. It stands as a powerful testament to The Church of Pentecost’s commitment to compassionate healthcare, promising to be a place where lives are saved, health is restored, and dignity is upheld, marking a new era of hope and healing for the people.

U.S. gov’t donates motorcycles to boost Ghana’s community health services

The United States Government has donated more than 90 motorcycles to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) as part of a concerted effort to enhance community health delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the country.

Speaking at the GHS headquarters in Accra on June 16, USAID Ghana Mission Director, Madam Kimberly Rosen, emphasised the importance of reliable transportation in primary healthcare delivery.

“Community outreach is the backbone of Ghana’s primary health care system, but without reliable transport, frontline workers cannot reach the households that need them most,” she said.

Apart from the donation to the Ghana Health Service, an additional 14 were also given to the Christian Health Association of Ghana.

The donation, according to Madam Kimberly Rosen aims to bridge transportation gaps faced by frontline health workers who provide vital services such as antenatal care, malaria prevention, nutrition counselling, and child welfare outreach.

The latest donation forms part of the broader U.S. support for Ghana’s health sector. Over the past three years, the United States has contributed more than 300 motorcycles, 22 vehicles, and over 3,000 electronic tablets to the GHS.

In addition, two boats were donated and another refurbished for health service delivery in the Oti, Volta, and Western Regions.

Also, a $1.7 million investment has been channelled into health equipment in partnership with regional health directorates in northern Ghana.

This initiative seeks to improve maternal, newborn, and child health services by strengthening life-saving interventions at the grassroots level.

The United States’ long-standing partnership with Ghana has also played a crucial role in combating malaria. Over the past 15 years, Ghana has seen a two-thirds reduction in malaria-related deaths.

Among children under five, malaria prevalence has dropped from one in four in 2010 to one in ten today.

The U.S. is increasingly engaging with Ghana through commercial ventures such as Zipline, an American drone delivery company. Zipline’s drones now supply vaccines, blood, and other essential medical materials to more than 500 health facilities across Ghana—enhancing access, creating jobs, and spurring local investment.

The U.S. officials expressed deep gratitude to Ghana’s Community Health Officers and Volunteers, acknowledging the daily sacrifices they make in challenging conditions.

“Your work is exhausting, and it is not easy—the roads are bumpy and sometimes flooded, the days are long, and you often make personal sacrifices to serve in communities far from home,” she noted.

The donation forms part of the Integrated Health Partnership—a $40 million U.S.-funded initiative in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, Project HOPE, and CHAG, spanning the health, education, and agriculture sectors.

Director of Health Administration and Support Services at GHS, Mr Ebo Hammond welcomed the donation with appreciation.

He described the motorcycles as more than mere transport—they are “critical health tools” in the fight to improve access to quality care.

“A single motorbike equipped with a vaccine carrier and a dedicated nurse can mean the difference between life and death in some of our most remote communities,” Mr Hammond remarked.

He emphasised the role the motorcycles would play in vaccine delivery, disease surveillance, and health education, particularly in areas inaccessible by vehicles.

He also praised the continued collaboration with USAID, especially their support for Ghana’s oxygen infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Mr Hammond, investments by USAID have already reduced the average distance hospitals must travel to access medical-grade oxygen from 1,850 kilometres to 850 kilometres.

The target is to reduce this further to under 400 kilometres with the installation of ten new liquid oxygen plants across the country.

He expressed gratitude to the U.S. government and its partners for their unwavering support, noting that their contributions are helping Ghana build a more inclusive and resilient health system.

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare systems, ensuring that quality care is delivered as close as possible to individuals, families, and communities.

Queen mothers trained to fight vaccine misconceptions across Ghana

In the bid to improve public trust in vaccines and reduce health misinformation, the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health has begun a new initiative of training queen mothers to serve as vaccine ambassadors in their communities.

The initiative brings together revered female traditional leaders from across the country who will now champion vaccine education in thousands of Ghanaian communities.

As Ghana continues efforts to boost immunization coverage, queen mothers are being enlisted as powerful advocates for vaccine awareness.

The Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health is training these respected traditional leaders to educate their communities on the importance of vaccines and dispel long-standing myths that have hindered uptake.

According to National Vice Chairman of the Coalition, Ninsau Darku Alazer, queen mothers were deliberately selected because of the authority and trust they command.

“Queen mothers are people we believe carry the tradition, they carry the authority and also carry respect. When they approach any person, whether man, woman or child about any health related issue, they will pay attention to them than a health worker,” he noted.

The project is expected to reach over 10,000 communities in 100 districts. Queen mothers will be supported with funds to help them move between towns and lead health-focused engagements.

“They are going to work in about 100 districts in the whole country in 10,000 communities. Every district has 10 health centers. We gave a baseline for routine immunization and we expect that with their efforts and addition, at the end of the project, we will give them some small funding, to carry out the job, the mobility, and travels to give talks here and there,” he said.

Queen mother of Bekwai, Nana Adwoa Pinaman, said she came to the realization that traditional methods once used in her community were harmful after the training sessions.

“They started this program about 3 years ago. It has really helped us because back then, measles killed babies. We used to give them ‘akpeteshi’ and ‘nyamedua’ and they end up dying. But when we started this, all that stopped,” she stated.

From the Savannah Region, Hajia Dr. Kansawurche Zara Bukari shared feedback from her region.

“You can see that the women are now receiving it well. At first, due to misconceptions that if you immunize your child, the child will be sick, some may even die. But going forward, now we can see that there is great improvement in the immunization coverage as far as my region is concerned,” she expressed.

In addition to this grassroots mobilization, the Coalition plans to train 500 Community Information Centres to fight misinformation on air, especially in local dialects.

“When false information is shared on those platforms, it’s believed instantly. So, we need them trained to speak truth backed by health facts,” Mr. Alazer emphasized

Six new Mpox cases confirmed in Ghana, total rises to 91

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced six new Mpox infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 91. 

According to health officials, two of the newly infected patients are currently hospitalised and are under close medical supervision.

Contact tracing efforts are actively underway to identify individuals who may have been exposed, as part of measures to limit further transmission.

The recent uptick in cases has sparked growing public anxiety. In response, the Ghana Health Service has urged the public to remain calm while assuring that the situation is under control.

In a public health advisory, the GHS reiterated the need for vigilance and personal hygiene.

“We encourage the public to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of Mpox, especially those with unexplained rashes, and to report any symptoms to the nearest health facility immediately,” the statement read.

Authorities also stressed the importance of preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, proper sanitation, and early detection to curb the spread of the virus.

The Ghana Health Service is continuing surveillance and community education campaigns to protect the population and prevent further infections.

Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation to hold national forum and free testing in Winneba on World Sickle Cell Day

In commemoration of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, the Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation is set to host a national forum on Thursday, June 19, at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre at the University of Education, Winneba.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, the Founder of the foundation, Akokoa Mpaninsem, emphasised the importance of the event in raising public consciousness about Sickle Cell Disease and promoting early detection and care.

“This forum is not just a gathering, it is a national call to action,” said Mpaninsem. “We are committed to educating the public, encouraging early testing, and supporting those affected by sickle cell across the country.”

The event will be held under the Foundation’s official slogan, “Stronger Together: Fighting Sickle Cell Disease,” reflecting its mission to unite individuals, families, and institutions in the ongoing battle against the genetic condition.

In collaboration with the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, the Foundation will offer free sickling and genotype testing to all who attend the forum.

The initiative aims to provide people with vital information about their genetic status, especially young adults and couples preparing for marriage or parenthood.

“We are inviting everyone in and around Winneba to take advantage of this opportunity. Knowing your genotype can save lives and prevent future suffering,” Mpaninsem added.

Moving Health and Trotula Fund equip Tumu midwifery college

Moving Health, an organisation known for manufacturing tricycle ambulances to serve rural communities in Ghana since 2020, has reaffirmed its commitment to maternal healthcare through targeted training and equipment support.

With financial backing from the Trotula Fund, which champions initiatives to enhance the well-being of women and girls, Moving Health recently sponsored a two-part capacity-building programme for midwives and midwifery students in Tumu, Upper West Region.

Held on 15th and 30th May 2025, the training sessions focused on the Manual Removal of Retained Placenta and Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA).

Organised in collaboration with the Midwifery Training College in Tumu, the programme aimed to equip participants with vital life-saving skills.

In a parallel gesture of support, Moving Health and its partners donated essential medical equipment and IT resources valued at GHC 250,000 to the College.

Items included hospital and delivery beds, an autoclave machine, CPR and automated pregnant manikins, 25 desktop computers, and 14 UPS units to enhance hands-on learning for future midwives.

The donation ceremony witnessed the presence of key local health and administrative leaders, including the Principal of the College, Mary Saratu Adamah; Medical Superintendent of Tumu Municipal Hospital, Dr Ayariga Joshua Amikiya; Sissala East District Health Director, Dr Clifford Vengkungmene; and Coordinating Director of the Sissala East Municipal Assembly, Abubakari Musah.

As the training concluded, midwives took on mentoring roles, leading students through practical sessions, a symbolic moment of empowerment.

Moving Health and the Trotula Fund have pledged to continue the training programme for the next two years, envisioning it as a cornerstone in building a safer and more responsive maternal care system across the district and beyond.

UGBS, CIHRM Ghana hold corporate health walk to support HRM professorial chair fundraising

The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) and the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana (CIHRM), have organised a corporate health walk as part of their awareness creation and fundraising campaign for Ghana’s first Human Resource Management (HRM) Professorial Chair.

The health walk, which brought together Chief Executive Officers, HR practitioners of CIHRM, faculty members of UGBS, and students, heightened awareness of the need to engage in moderate physical exercise to improve general well-being and productivity.

It also served as a platform to appeal to the general public for support towards raising the funds required to ensure the smooth operation of the Chair.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Dr (Mrs) Ellen Hagan, reiterated the need for all sectors in Ghana to embrace the Chair as a catalyst for national development through cutting-edge research, innovation and human capital policy guidance.

Dr Hagan added that fundraising activities for the HRM Professorial Chair would continue throughout the year, and urged public and private sector institutions, as well as individuals, to contribute towards this laudable national agenda.

Other important activities scheduled following the corporate health walk include a presentation at the CIHRM’25 Conference, engagements with policymakers, an HR Community Brunch, engagements with Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors, and a series of public lectures.

During the CIHRM’25 Conference, scheduled for Wednesday 18 June to Thursday 19 June 2025 at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Dr (Mrs) Ellen Hagan will unpack the critical role of the HRM Professorial Chair in advancing national development and growth.

UGBS and CIHRM are encouraging the media, the HR community, policymakers, industry players and the general public to embrace this landmark initiative, which is poised to transform the HRM landscape in Ghana and elevate the performance of organisations and institutions across the country.

Ghana’s Prof. Alexander Debrah wins €50K EDCTP Dr. Pascoal Mocumbi Prize for global health contributions

Ghanaian scientist Alexander Yaw Debrah has been awarded the 2025 Dr. Pascoal Mocumbi Prize by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) for his contributions to global health research and capacity development in Africa.

The €50,000 prize was presented today at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. The award recognises Prof. Debrah’s work in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and advancing clinical research and partnerships across Africa and Europe.

Debrah, a professor of parasitology and global health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, has led several clinical trials focused on diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. His early research helped identify genetic links to conditions such as elephantiasis and hydrocele, and supported the use of low-cost antibiotics like doxycycline for treatment.

He currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at KNUST and heads the Filariasis Research Group at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR). He also directs TAKeOFF, a German-funded consortium working to eliminate filarial infections in Ghana, Tanzania, and Cameroon.

“Professor Debrah’s commitment to global health and research capacity building is exemplary,” said Marcel Tanner, EDCTP High Representative and President of the Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Debrah has attracted over €15 million in research funding from organisations including the EDCTP, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the German Ministry of Education and Research. He has also helped establish the German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC) at KNUST.

With over 160 peer-reviewed publications, Debrah has spoken at several high-level forums, including the United Nations General Assembly Science Summits in 2023 and 2024.

The EDCTP prize, named after Mozambique’s former prime minister and the partnership’s first high representative, honours individuals who have advanced Africa-Europe health research collaboration and the fight against poverty-related diseases.

The EDCTP is a partnership between European and African countries, supported by the European Union.