The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has enhanced support for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and Community Health Officers (CHOs) in the Upper East Region, aiming to strengthen community-based primary healthcare through the second phase of the CHPS+ project.
This phase builds on the first phase implemented in 2016, which focused on Health System Strengthening for Maternal and Child Health via the CHPS strategy and concluded successfully in 2020, with KOICA adopting 120 CHPS zones and supplying essential equipment.
As part of phase II, KOICA has donated a significant array of items to the community health volunteers, community health officers, and the regional health directorate. The donations include 630 bicycles, 630 mobile phones, 630 torchlights, 630 Wellington boots, 630 knapsack sprayers, 100 hand wash basins, 17 laptops, and 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, among other medical equipment for the regional hospitals, all valued at GH₵ 43.5 million.
Donghyn Lee, KOICA Country Director, indicated the Korean government’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for Ghanaians, particularly those in underserved communities.
“These supplies are provided together with other aspects such as human resource capacity building, infrastructure, and provision of health equipment as part of a holistic approach that the Korean Government takes to ensure quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians, especially those in underserved communities.”
Dr. Samuel K. Boakye-Boateng, Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, underscored the significant impact of the KOICA project on Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in the region.
“What I have come to realize from my stay in the Upper East Region is that there is a good understanding of the CHPS concept by most health staff, community leaders, community members, and partners, among others. This is largely attributable to the holistic approach adopted by KOICA in supporting the region and our hard-working staff,” he said.
Dr. Boakye-Boateng also noted the comprehensive support encompassing service delivery at the community level, workforce capacity building, direct financial support, equipment, and essential medicines, effective health information management, and leadership capacity building.
UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Bhanu Pathak, expressed gratitude for being part of the project, highlighting the procurement support and expertise in maternal, child, and newborn health provided to improve quality healthcare.
KOICA’s efforts are also extending to the North East Region, where similar donations will be made to various health facilities. Pe Dennis Aniakwoa Balinia Adda Asagpare II, Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, urged health professionals to utilize the donated items effectively to enhance healthcare delivery in the region.
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