The P.K. Appiah Foundation, a leading human-centered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Ghana, has significantly bolstered the medical facilities of the 37 Military Hospital with the donation of a fully furnished, ultramodern Tuberculosis (TB) Unit.
This initiative underscores the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and contributing to national development, particularly in the critical area of TB control.
Built on the core principles of providing essential resources and empowering Ghanaians through various initiatives, including enhanced medical care, the P.K. Appiah Foundation’s latest contribution is strategically positioned to play a crucial role in coordinating and implementing TB elimination activities across Ghana.
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge in the country, with an estimated 44,000 new cases annually, though only around 20,599 were detected in 2024. This highlights a critical gap in case finding, with approximately 24,000 cases missed each year.
The newly constructed facility, which represents a substantial investment by the Foundation, is ideally situated within a dedicated infectious disease wing of the 37 Military Hospital. It is designed to serve as a central hub in the national fight against Tuberculosis, offering advanced diagnostic, treatment, and research capabilities. This is particularly vital given that over 70 districts in Ghana still lack essential GeneXpert machines for rapid TB diagnosis, and only 77 facilities possess digital X-ray machines for pediatric TB.
Speaking during the inauguration and official handing over of the TB Unit, Kwabena Appiah, Founder and CEO of the P.K. Appiah Foundation stated: “The P.K. Appiah Foundation has consistently pursued its mission to enhance the lives of all Ghanaians by providing vital aid across various sectors, from education and healthcare to youth empowerment. Today, we are honored to stand here at the 37 Military Hospital to officially hand over this state-of-the-art, multi-bed TB Unit. We are positive this facility will go a long way to boost the fight against Tuberculosis in Ghana, especially by helping to close the significant gap in undiagnosed cases. Knowing the Ghana Armed Forces’ renowned dedication to high standards of maintenance and preservation, we are assured that this unit will be utilized effectively and efficiently for the benefit of all citizens.”
In response Brig. Gen. Evelyn Vivian Abraham-Kwabiah, Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, expressed profound gratitude to the P.K. Appiah Foundation for its invaluable contribution to public health. “We are deeply appreciative of the P.K. Appiah Foundation’s remarkable generosity and their unwavering commitment to bolstering healthcare delivery in Ghana,” she remarked.
“TB affects millions worldwide in resource limited countries including Ghana. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is dedicated to reducing the burden of TB amongst personnel and general public. It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I applaud the P.K. Appiah Foundation for this,” she added.
Brig. Gen. Abraham-Kwabiah indicated that the state-of-the-art TB Unit is a testament to the profound impact that Corporate Social Responsibility, exemplified by organizations like the P.K. Appiah Foundation and the impact it can have on the nation’s health infrastructure.
While Ghana achieved a historic 90.6% TB treatment success rate in 2024, the challenge of finding and treating all cases persists. This unit will undoubtedly enhance the capacity to combat Tuberculosis, improve diagnostic access, and provide specialized care to those who need it most, ultimately contributing to our national goal of TB elimination.
The P.K. Appiah Foundation’s donation is expected to significantly strengthen Ghana’s efforts to control and ultimately eliminate Tuberculosis, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts between non-governmental organizations and state institutions in achieving national health objectives.
