FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, 12th February 2025
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 31ST ANNUAL GENERAL AND SCIENTIFIC MEETING OF THE PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF GHANA (PSG) HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA MEDICAL CENTRE AND KEMPINSKI HOTEL FROM 6TH TO 8TH FEBRUARY 2025
We, the members of the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG), having deliberated on the theme “Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Bridging Gaps and Building Resilience in Child Healthcare Delivery across Ghana” and other relevant issues, at our 31st Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM), state the following:
- Adolescent Health:
There is a gap in care for adolescents across the country. We direct attention to this vulnerable group highlighting the triple dividend of benefits that will ensure their well-being in the present, future and for the next generation. We call upon the Government and key stakeholders to prioritise adolescent health training programmes in Ghana and post auxiliary support staff to facilities that set up adolescent clinics to help advance care for adolescents everywhere.
2. Digital Innovations and Child Health:
We strongly recommend urgent action from all arms of government as well as other relevant agencies and stakeholders to expedite the creation of appropriate framework for responsible artificial intelligence use, telemedicine and telehealth in the delivery of health. This will ensure its safe and responsive use; particularly in the child health care space.
3. Free ambulance services for children under five years:
We call upon Government to establish free ambulance services for children, especially those under – 5 years, as a matter of utmost urgency. The development of such a policy and practical implementation across the country will ensure its success. We encourage public, private, and international bodies to support such an initiative.
4. The menace of “Galamsey”:
The PSG would like to reiterate its call to stop dangerous, illegal mining activities popularly called “Galamsey”, which are degrading our forests, water bodies and farmlands at an alarming rate and represent the gravest existential threat we face today. This menace contributes directly to child labour, abuse, chemical poisoning and birth defects. We call for urgent and concerted efforts from the Government, Traditional leaders, the Media, Civil Society Organisations and all stakeholders to redouble efforts to find and implement a lasting and sustained solution to the menace of galamsey.
5. Districts without Paediatricians:
The PSG is eager to engage the government and key stakeholders to work on a programme to increase access to paediatricians and key paediatric services in every district in Ghana.
A call to action
We strongly recommend that key actors prioritise investments in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development as well as improve partnerships with international organisations, public and private sector entities, traditional leaders, faith and community-based organisations, among others. We advocate for policies and programmes that prioritise child health and related matters and support research and digital innovation in child healthcare delivery.
Conclusion
The Paediatric Society of Ghana would like to state that children everywhere in Ghana should be able to receive appropriate, effective and responsive health care, irrespective of geographical, social and economic status. This remains key in Ghana’s aim of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 agenda.
Signed by;
Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye (President)
Dr. Gabrielle Obeng-Koranteng (General Secretary)
