Non-state actors in health join forces
Some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) in the health sector have joined forces to intensify advocacy for sustainable health systems in the country.
Known as the non-state actors charter in the health sector, the group sought to have stronger partnership to influence change in policy and advocate accountable governance in Ghana’s health system.
The formation of the non–state actors charter was informed by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) adoption of a framework of engagement for the involvement of non-state actors in the health sector.
Some members of the charter included the Hope for Future Generation (HFFG), West Africa Aids Foundation (WAAF) and Society for Women and AIDS in Africa (SWAA).
The objective
At a ceremony to launch the group, the Consultant of the non-state actors charter, Mr Louis Agbe, said the charter aimed to achieve resilient and sustainable health systems that delivered quality healthcare services to Ghanaians.
He explained that the group would undertake research to inform evidence-based advocacy to help improve health outcomes for the majority of Ghanaians, especially the underprivileged.
As part of its objective, Mr Agbe indicated that the charter would foster stronger partnership for non-state actors in the sector to influence change, service delivery and health financing in the country.
The group would be guided by the principles of promoting transparency, openness and fairness in its conduct with all stakeholders, he said, adding that “the non-state actors would uphold probity and accountability as standards of moral conduct”.
Priority issues
On the priority issues of advocacy, Mr Agbe said the group would focus on universal health coverage, health financing, procurement, quality, standards and governance in the health sector.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Director of Hope for Future Generation (HFFG), Mrs Cecilla Senoo, said although the various CSOs and NGOs in the sector were working hard, there was the need for one voice to champion the quality and universal health coverage for Ghanaians.
She further indicated that the inequalities and injustice in the health system needed to be approached by evidence-based advocacy and dialogue.
The Chief of Party of the John Snow International Incorporated (JSI), Dr Henry Nagai, who chaired the event, said the role of non-state actors was critical to push health issues to the forefront for them to be addressed.
He urged the group to support dialogue in the health sector and also educate Ghanaians on their health rights to promote health literacy.
