By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, has stated that the journey towards achieving universal health coverage through evidence-based social behavior change interventions is a moral and strategic imperative.
Addressing the 3rd Social and Behavior Change Summit in Accra on August 13, 2024, he urged leveraging evidence, innovation, and collaboration to build a robust health system that upholds the dignity and well-being of every individual.
Dr. Kuma Aboagye highlighted that “we are at a critical point where the integration of science, policy, and community engagement can drive transformative progress in public health”.
He described universal health coverage as a symbol of equity and justice in healthcare systems globally.
At its core, universal health coverage he said represents the principle that everyone should have access to essential health services without facing financial hardship.
However, achieving this goal he noted requires more than just access.
“This core universal health coverage embodies the principle that all individuals and communities should have access to essential health services without financial hardships. However achieving universal health coverage goes beyond mere access, necessitating a comprehensive approach that addresses both the supply and demand side of health care delivery, and that is what makes health promotion very very important in our endeavor,” he stressed.
He said it demands a comprehensive approach that addresses both the supply and demand aspects of healthcare delivery.
Dr.Kuma Aboagye underscored the importance of health promotion in this endeavor and noted that evidence-based social and behavioral change
interventions are crucial for achieving sustainable health outcomes within the Universal Health Coverage framework.
