The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has inaugurated it’s Inter-agency Coordinating Committee for Health Promotion (ICC-HP) to help boost health promotion activities in the Savannah Region.
The event, which took place in Damongo, the regional capital, on Tuesday, 7th May, 2024, focused on training Regional/District Risk Communication and Community Engagement Committees (RCCE) and re-inaugurating the Regional ICC-HP.
Following the successful establishment of similar committees in other northern regions of Ghana, the initiative aims to strengthen coordination among various stakeholders to enhance health promotion activities.
The Regional ICC-HP comprises members from diverse entities including the Ghana Health Service, Information Services Department, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, media outlets, Non-Governmental Organizations and a private sector entity.
Notable members include Dr. Michael Biredu and Janet Kulah from the Regional Health Directorate, Vincent Agyepong-mensah from the Regional coordinating council , Rev. Samuel Mahama Dinkeri from the Local Council of churches, and Kumatey Gorden representing the media.
At the national level, the ICC-HP, led by Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, boasts representation from multiple sectors and operates under the Health Promotion Division in Korle-bu. This structure ensures efficient coordination and execution of health promotion objectives nationwide.
Addressing the audience, Mrs. Mabel Kissiwah Asafo, Acting Director of the Health Promotion Division – GHS, underscored the vital role of the ICC-HP in advancing public health initiatives and urged members to actively contribute to improving health and well-being within their communities.
Dr. Josephat Ana_lmwine Nyuzaghl, Savannah Regional Health Director for health services, emphasized the importance of effective communication in public health emergencies.
He highlighted the training’s focus on strengthening the region’s response to emergencies and combating challenges such as vaccine misinformation.
With a collaborative effort among diverse agencies and stakeholders, the ICC-HP signifies a united front dedicated to enhancing health promotion initiatives nationwide.
The ICC- HP was established in Ghana in 2010 and has since been supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the committee has played a pivotal role in championing policies aimed at advancing public health and cultivating a healthier nation for all.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
