Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Theovision International provides free healthcare to 2,500 rural residents
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Theovision International provides free healthcare to 2,500 rural residents

Theovision International, a Christian non-profit organization, has conducted a comprehensive week-long medical outreach program, providing free healthcare services to approximately 2,500 residents across the Ashanti and Bono East regions. The initiative targeted vulnerable populations in rural communities and extended critical medical attention to inmates and officers at the Ejura Prison. This mission aimed to bridge the gap in healthcare access for underserved populations who often struggle to reach or afford standard medical facilities. During the outreach, medical teams provided screenings and treatments for a variety of common health conditions, including malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and rheumatism. In addition to direct clinical care, the program facilitated the registration and renewal of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) memberships for 401 individuals. This component of the mission ensures that beneficiaries can continue to access formal healthcare services beyond the duration of the outreach. The mission's scope included both physical health assessments and the provision of necessary medications to manage identified ailments. Kwadwo Osei Sarfo, the Atebubu District Director of Health, commended the initiative, highlighting that the medical data collected during the week would be invaluable for local healthcare planning and resource allocation. Theodore Philip Asare, President of Theovision International, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to improving health outcomes for marginalized groups. While Theovision is primarily known for its work in making the Bible accessible in various African languages, Asare emphasized that addressing the physical wellbeing of communities is a core part of their humanitarian mission. The success of this outreach underscores the significant role of non-governmental organizations in supporting Ghana’s public health infrastructure.

World Vision Ghana joins calls for universal access to handwashing facilities
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World Vision Ghana urges national budget priority for hand hygiene

World Vision Ghana has called on the government to prioritize hand hygiene in national budgeting and planning to safeguard public health and reduce child mortality. Commemorating Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2026, the organization joined the global community to emphasize that clean hands remain a critical defense against the spread of infectious diseases. Under the themes 'Why are clean hands still important?' and 'I Am a Handwashing Hero,' the advocacy group highlighted the need for a sustained, policy-driven approach to hygiene rather than occasional interventions. The organization stressed that handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which are leading causes of death among children under five. By integrating hand hygiene into national development plans, World Vision argues that the state can significantly lower the burden on the healthcare system. The call for action specifically targets the inclusion of dedicated funding lines within the national budget to ensure that hygiene infrastructure is not overlooked during fiscal planning. In addition to policy changes, World Vision Ghana is urging the government and various stakeholders to collaborate on providing accessible handwashing facilities in all public schools and local communities. The group noted that many educational institutions still lack basic infrastructure, which hampers the ability of students to practice proper hygiene. Ensuring these facilities are available is seen as a vital step in maintaining overall health and promoting better educational outcomes for children across the country. As the 2026 commemoration concludes, the organization maintains that the transition from awareness to action requires a collective effort. World Vision remains committed to working with the government to protect the health of Ghanaians, particularly vulnerable populations in rural areas. The focus remains on ensuring that handwashing becomes a permanent fixture in the national health agenda, supported by both political will and the necessary financial resources to achieve universal access.

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Rita Naa Odoley Sowah calls for revival of national handwashing culture

Dr. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has called on Ghanaians to return to the strict handwashing habits adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the national launch of the 2026 Global Handwashing Day, she emphasized that maintaining these hygiene practices is vital for combating a wide range of preventable diseases. The event serves as a reminder that simple actions, like washing hands with soap under running water, remain the most effective defense against many common infections. During her address, Dr. Sowah highlighted the need for public institutions and local authorities to take more proactive roles in promoting hygiene. She urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prioritize the provision and maintenance of handwashing facilities in schools and public restrooms. Furthermore, the Deputy Minister called for increased funding and more frequent inspections of these facilities by local assemblies to ensure they remain functional and consistently stocked with soap, which is essential for effective sanitation. The call to action also extended to traditional leaders, who were encouraged to use their influence to champion hygiene within their respective communities. Dr. Sowah noted that community-led initiatives are crucial for sustaining a culture of cleanliness beyond institutional settings. The celebration of Global Handwashing Day on October 15 involves collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, reflecting a global commitment to improving public health through better sanitation and hand hygiene awareness.

PZ Cussons Ghana launches Camel handwashing campaign at Christ the King School
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PZ Cussons Ghana launches Camel handwashing campaign at Christ the King School

PZ Cussons Ghana Limited has launched a targeted handwashing education campaign at Christ the King School in Accra, aimed at improving public health awareness among students. Using its flagship Camel brand, the company engaged pupils in practical demonstrations of proper hand hygiene to mark this year’s Global Handwashing Day. The initiative is designed to foster long-term hygiene habits in children, serving as a primary defense against the spread of infections within schools and the wider community. During the event, which aligned with the global theme ‘Be a Handwashing Hero,’ pupils were guided through specific, effective techniques for cleaning their hands. Bright Anomah, the Head of Marketing at PZ Cussons Ghana, highlighted the critical role of the private sector in supporting public health initiatives. He noted that while the government plays a central role in health education, shared responsibility with corporate entities ensures a wider reach and more sustainable impact on community well-being. Brand Ambassador Matilda Adu Boateng also participated in the session, demonstrating the effectiveness of Camel Antibacterial Soap in eliminating germs. The campaign focuses on instilling these essential practices at a young age so that children can carry hygiene habits from the classroom to their homes. By targeting schoolchildren, PZ Cussons aims to create ‘handwashing heroes’ who can influence their peers and families, ultimately improving health outcomes across the country. The company indicated that such outreach programs remain a core part of its corporate social responsibility, aiming to reduce the incidence of preventable diseases through simple, accessible daily practices.

Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe calls for more speech therapist recruitment
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Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe calls for more speech therapist recruitment

Dr. Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe, the President of the Speech Therapists and Audiologists Association of Ghana, has called on the government to prioritize the recruitment of more speech therapists and audiologists into the public health sector. This appeal is aimed at addressing the critical shortage of these specialists in state-owned hospitals, a situation that currently limits the support available for children with developmental language disorders. The shortage has resulted in significant pressure on the few professionals available in public institutions. According to Dr. Bampoe, the scarcity of services in the public sector often leaves families with no choice but to seek help from private clinics. However, the high cost of private therapy remains a major barrier for many, rendering essential treatment unaffordable and inaccessible for the average Ghanaian family. Speaking in anticipation of World Developmental Language Disorder Day on October 16, Dr. Bampoe underscored the importance of timely intervention. She emphasized that increasing the number of qualified professionals in public health facilities is necessary to ensure that children with language challenges receive the specialized care they need to succeed in their education and social development. The association’s call highlights a broader need for systemic investment in rehabilitative services within Ghana’s healthcare framework. By expanding the workforce of speech and hearing specialists, the government can help bridge the gap in healthcare equity, ensuring that every child, regardless of their family's financial standing, has the opportunity to overcome communication barriers.

Presbyterian Church marks 141 years of health service, calls for stronger state support
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Presbyterian Church of Ghana opens 7th National DSS Consultation

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has officially opened its 7th National Development and Social Services (DSS) Consultation at the Presbyterian Women’s Centre in Abokobi. The four-day event, running from October 13 to 16, 2025, brings together approximately 90 leaders and development partners from various sectors, including health and agriculture. This year’s consultation is themed "Celebrating Our Heritage: Building on the Foundation Already Laid: Fostering Health, Harvest, and Human Dignity," marking a significant milestone of 141 years of the church's dedicated social and medical service to the nation. The Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, highlighted the extensive history of the church’s health service, which began in 1885. From its humble origins, the church's medical mission has evolved significantly and now oversees 61 health facilities operating across the country. These institutions play a critical role in Ghana's healthcare delivery system, providing essential services to diverse communities. The National Director, Mrs. R. Teiko Sabah, emphasized the church’s long-standing commitment to social work and its vital role in addressing modern societal challenges through integrated development programs. During the consultation, church leaders and health stakeholders called for enhanced collaboration and stronger state support to sustain and expand these services. Dr. Mavis Sakyi, representing the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of joint efforts in managing hospital sites and ensuring quality care. Specifically, the church made formal appeals for the reinstatement of a halted Accident and Emergency Centre project and the expansion of the Presbyterian Psychiatric Hospital in Bolgatanga. These requests reflect the church's focus on addressing critical gaps in specialized medical care and mental health services in the northern regions of Ghana. As the consultation progresses through the week, participants will explore new strategies to strengthen the church’s impact on health, food security, and human dignity. The discussions aim to consolidate the foundation laid by predecessors while adapting to the evolving needs of the Ghanaian population. By fostering deeper partnerships with the state and private sector, the Presbyterian Church seeks to ensure its legacy of service remains a cornerstone of national development for the next century and beyond.

ADB Ghana Medical Systems to maintain new Korle Bu cardiac lab for one year
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ADB Ghana Medical Systems to maintain new Korle Bu cardiac lab for one year

ADB Ghana Medical Systems Group has committed to a one-year maintenance contract for the new Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and Cardiac Interventional Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). This agreement, which began following the facility's commissioning in June, ensures that the specialised centre remains in peak condition as it provides critical heart care services. The facility was established to replace a previous laboratory that was destroyed by fire, restoring a vital resource to the nation’s largest teaching hospital. Project Manager Abraham Fiscian confirmed that the laboratory is now fully operational and ready to serve patients. Under the terms of the maintenance agreement, ADB Ghana Medical Systems will handle all repairs and technical issues involving the building and its specialised equipment for the initial year. This period serves as a transition phase, allowing the hospital’s own technical staff to prepare for the eventual handover of full maintenance responsibilities. This arrangement is intended to guarantee the reliability of the high-tech equipment during its early operational life. The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health recently visited the Korle Bu facility to inspect the installation and verify its readiness for public use. The committee's oversight is part of a national strategy to bolster the capacity of Ghana's teaching hospitals to handle complex medical cases locally. During the visit, members expressed satisfaction with the state of the laboratory, noting that such infrastructure is essential for improving cardiac care outcomes and reducing the financial burden on patients who might otherwise seek treatment abroad. The initiative at Korle Bu is one of two major cardiac infrastructure projects currently under parliamentary scrutiny. A similar facility is being developed at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, with completion expected by December 2026. Together, these laboratories represent a significant investment in Ghana's healthcare infrastructure, aiming to provide sustainable and advanced cardiac interventional services to the population.

A young African woman, appearing to be a teenager, sits outdoors while breastfeeding an infant. The setting features a dirt ground and rustic environment, reflecting a rural or low-income urban context often associated with discussions on social health.
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Ghana Health Service records 53,000 adolescent pregnancies in first half of 2026

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported that more than 53,000 adolescent pregnancies were recorded across the country during the first six months of 2026. This alarming data, released to coincide with the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, underscores a persistent challenge to the health, education, and general well-being of young girls in Ghana. The figures highlight an urgent need for multi-sectoral intervention to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy and provide better protective frameworks for minors. The gravity of the situation was recently illustrated by the tragic death of 14-year-old Keziah Mirekua. According to reports, the young girl took her own life by setting herself on fire after her boyfriend denied responsibility for her pregnancy. This incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger support systems that can protect vulnerable girls from social isolation and physical harm. Health advocates emphasize that the 53,000 recorded cases are not merely statistics but represent thousands of individual lives whose educational and economic prospects are now at significant risk. Beyond the immediate health implications, the GHS data has reignited a national conversation regarding societal attitudes toward teenage mothers. Experts argue that the stigma associated with adolescent pregnancy often forces girls out of the school system, further entrenching cycles of poverty. There is a growing consensus that the government and civil society must move beyond symbolic celebrations to implement practical measures. These include enhancing access to reproductive health information, strengthening legal protections for minors, and ensuring that teenage mothers are integrated back into schools without facing discrimination or harassment. As Ghana joins the global community to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the focus remains on transforming policy into tangible outcomes. The GHS findings serve as a reminder that safeguarding the rights of the girl child requires more than commemorative speeches. Stakeholders are calling for a sustained commitment to creating a safe environment where every girl can pursue her potential and access the support necessary to overcome the barriers posed by early pregnancy and societal neglect.

Korle Bu seeks more doctors, nurses to ease pressure on Emergency Centre
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Korle Bu Teaching Hospital requests permanent staff for 64-bed emergency centre

Management at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has issued an urgent appeal for the recruitment of permanent doctors and nurses to bolster its overstretched Accident and Emergency Centre. Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the facility is currently facing significant operational strain due to a critical shortage of permanent medical personnel. This shortage has forced the hospital to rely heavily on trainee doctors who depart once their programs conclude, leaving persistent gaps in service delivery. The 64-bed Accident and Emergency Centre serves as a primary destination for referral cases from across the country. According to Dr. Adam, the high volume of incoming patients often exceeds the centre's capacity to provide optimal care. He explained that while the hospital appears to have a substantial number of doctors on paper, the majority are in training phases. This temporary workforce creates a revolving door effect, which hinders the hospital’s ability to maintain a consistent and experienced team for emergency and intensive care services. During a meeting with Parliament’s Health Committee and the Minister of Health, Dr. Adam emphasized that the hospital requires its own permanent medical officers and a reinforced nursing staff to ensure timely and effective patient interventions. The management argued that securing a dedicated workforce is essential for stabilizing the facility's operations and reducing the pressure on existing staff who are currently managing an unsustainable workload. Beyond the immediate need for human resources, the hospital management is also calling for broader improvements in healthcare infrastructure. The ongoing dialogue with government officials focuses on enhancing the hospital’s capacity to handle complex emergency cases and improving its intensive care capabilities. By securing permanent staff, Korle Bu aims to transition from a reliance on transient trainees to a more robust, long-term healthcare delivery model that can meet the needs of patients referred from all regions of the country.

Kenya Ministry of Health confirms second case of Ebola
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Kenya Ministry of Health confirms second case of Ebola

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a second case of Ebola, involving a 39-year-old man who was already under medical surveillance. This development follows the death of the country’s first case on October 5. Health officials emphasized that while the new case is concerning, the patient was a known close contact and relative of the initial victim. He was already in quarantine when symptoms emerged, which officials say has significantly reduced the risk of further spread to the general public. The initial case involved a Kenyan national who had recently traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and died shortly after receiving medical attention. According to health authorities, the early diagnosis of this second case has allowed for immediate supportive care, which improves the patient’s chances of recovery. The ministry has reassured the public that there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission, though they urged citizens to remain vigilant. Extensive contact tracing efforts are currently underway to contain the virus. Health workers have identified a total of 128 contacts who may have been exposed through the initial victim. Of these, 108 individuals are being held in quarantine for close monitoring. Despite these containment measures, some health experts have raised concerns regarding the initial response, noting that several opportunities for early detection were missed during the first patient’s treatment. The situation in Kenya occurs amidst a severe Ebola outbreak in the neighboring DRC, which has resulted in over 4,000 deaths this year. While national mobilization in Nairobi has been swift, the emergence of suspected cases in remote regions like Wajir County has highlighted challenges in healthcare preparedness. Experts suggest that response measures must be strengthened in communities distant from major medical facilities to ensure the virus is contained effectively across the entire country.

GHS begins Yellow Fever vaccination campaign in three Upper West districts
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Ghana Health Service targets 244,869 for yellow fever vaccination

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has officially launched a Yellow Fever Reactive Vaccination Campaign across three districts in the Upper West Region. Starting on October 14, 2026, the five-day initiative aims to immunize approximately 244,869 residents against the viral disease. The campaign specifically targets the Wa West, Sissala East, and Sissala West districts, where health authorities are working to curb a recent outbreak and prevent further transmission within the communities. Health officials have designed a comprehensive distribution strategy to ensure the vaccination reaches the widest possible audience. The exercise focuses on individuals aged between nine months and 60 years. To achieve this, trained health workers have been deployed to established public health facilities and strategically located temporary vaccination posts in high-traffic public areas. For residents in more isolated locations, mobile teams are traversing remote communities to ensure that geographical barriers do not prevent access to the life-saving vaccine. As part of the protocol, every person who receives the vaccine will be issued a yellow vaccination card to serve as official proof of immunization. The GHS has emphasized that this documentation is vital for health records and potential travel requirements. Public health officials are urging all eligible residents to participate fully in the exercise, noting that high vaccination coverage is the most effective way to establish herd immunity and protect the broader regional population from the dangers of yellow fever. The campaign, which concludes on October 18, represents a critical reactive measure in Ghana’s public health strategy. By focusing resources on these three specific districts, the Ghana Health Service aims to contain the current outbreak before it spreads to neighboring regions. This proactive approach underscores the government's commitment to disease surveillance and rapid response in the face of infectious disease threats, ensuring that community health remains a top priority.

Titus Kofi Beyuo reports 80 successful cardiac procedures at Korle Bu
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Titus Kofi Beyuo reports 80 successful cardiac procedures at Korle Bu

Professor Titus Kofi Beyuo, the Board Chairman of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), has announced that over 80 Ghanaians have successfully undergone complex cardiac procedures at the National Cardiothoracic Centre. This landmark achievement highlights a significant upgrade in the nation's medical capacity, as these patients—including more than 30 children—received specialized heart treatments that were previously unavailable within the country's borders. The successful execution of these surgeries marks a pivotal shift for the National Cardiothoracic Centre, which has been working to enhance its service delivery. Historically, patients requiring these complex heart procedures often had to seek medical care outside of the country. By localizing these interventions, Korle Bu is demonstrating that its medical teams now possess the specialized skills and capacity to handle delicate cardiac cases locally. Addressing the specific needs of children was a key highlight of this achievement. Of the 80 beneficiaries, over 30 were children who faced life-threatening heart conditions. Providing these surgeries within Ghana significantly improves the accessibility of care for families, ensuring that young patients can receive life-saving treatments and follow-up care without the logistical and financial challenges associated with international travel. This development is seen as a major step toward strengthening Ghana's healthcare system and expanding the reach of specialized tertiary services. Professor Beyuo emphasized that the hospital continues to focus on providing access to advanced treatments for all citizens. The success of these 80 procedures serves as a testament to the progress being made at Korle Bu in delivering high-quality cardiac care to the Ghanaian population.