WHO applauds Mahama’s Free Primary Healthcare rollout

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised President John Dramani Mahama for introducing the Free Primary Health Care initiative, describing it as a major move toward improving healthcare delivery and achieving Universal Health Coverage.

In a post on X on Thursday, April 16, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the programme and its expected benefits for public health, stressing that strong primary healthcare systems are key to preventing diseases and ensuring early treatment.

He noted that the initiative marks an important step in bringing Ghana closer to Universal Health Coverage, adding that effective primary healthcare supports early diagnosis, timely care, and better disease prevention.

The Free Primary Health Care initiative is a key component of the Mahama administration’s social agenda, with a focus on increasing access to essential health services, especially in underserved areas.

In its initial phase, the programme will be rolled out across 150 underserved districts over the next two months, targeting communities with limited access to quality healthcare.

The policy signals a shift from a largely treatment-focused system to one that prioritises prevention. It includes regular screenings for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, as well as maternal health services like antenatal and postnatal care.

The initiative also covers immunisations and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections, which continue to be among the leading causes of illness in many parts of the country.

In addition, it places emphasis on health education, offering guidance on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe water practices to encourage lasting behavioural change and improve overall public health outcomes.