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The Ghana Health Service has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening health literacy and empowering citizens as it joined stakeholders to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day alongside the inaugural Consumer Health Week at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra.
The two-day event, held from April 7 to 8, and scheduled to end tomorrow, has brought together government officials, development partners, civil society groups, health professionals, and the media to promote informed health choices and reinforce public trust in the health system. The programme is being chaired by Prof Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Ghana.
Delivering her remarks on behalf of the Director-General, the Deputy-Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Caroline Reindorf Amissah, described consumer health as central to achieving improved health outcomes in Ghana. She emphasized that consumer health goes beyond individual decisions and reflects how citizens interact with health services, interpret information, and use medicines responsibly.
According to her, when individuals are well informed and empowered, they become active partners in strengthening the health system. She noted that Consumer Health Week is not focused on a single disease or programme but promotes healthy citizenship by equipping Ghanaians with the knowledge and confidence to make informed health decisions.
She further highlighted that both World Health Day and Consumer Health Week share a common vision of placing people at the centre of health systems. She stressed that strong health systems are built not only on infrastructure and services but also on informed and confident citizens who actively participate in shaping their health outcomes.
Touching on the 2026 theme, “Together for Health, Stand with Science”, Dr Reindorf Amissah underscored the importance of evidence-based decision making, particularly in an era marked by misinformation and declining trust in verified knowledge. She reaffirmed the Ghana Health Service commitment to enhancing community health education, improving patient communication, and ensuring that quality health services remain accessible and trustworthy.
She assured stakeholders that the Service will continue to integrate consumer health literacy into health promotion activities at all levels, from national campaigns to community engagement and facility-based education, making every patient interaction an opportunity for empowerment and trust building.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Hon Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Dr Hafiz Adams Tahiru highlighted the critical role of science in advancing health outcomes in Ghana. He noted that the progress made in disease control, immunization, and emergency response has been driven by scientific evidence and coordinated action.
He cited achievements such as improved surveillance systems, strengthened laboratory capacity, and the management of diseases including cholera and COVID 19 as clear examples of science guiding public health success. He also emphasized the importance of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address emerging threats.
Dr Tahiru called on policymakers to invest in research and innovation, urged partners to support Ghana led solutions, and encouraged health workers to continue applying evidence-based practices in delivering care to communities.
Also addressing the gathering, the World Health Organization Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka, reiterated the commitment of the World Health Organization to supporting Ghana in building a resilient and equitable health system, noting that scientific advancements have significantly improved life expectancy, disease control, and emergency preparedness, while cautioning that emerging health threats, climate related risks, and inequities in access to technology remain key challenges, and emphasizing the need for sustained investment in research, stronger early warning systems, digital innovation, and collective action across sectors to ensure that scientific knowledge translates into practical solutions that benefit communities.
The event also served as a platform for collaboration and innovation, with participants showcasing initiatives aimed at improving consumer health awareness and access to reliable health information.
The Ghana Health Service reiterated that Consumer Health Week 2026 marks the beginning of a sustained effort to prioritize the rights, voices, and wellbeing of health consumers. It called on all stakeholders to build stronger partnerships and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind in accessing safe and quality healthcare.