Monday, 29 September

Ghana Health Service launches 2025 Family Planning Week with renewed commitment to universal access

Health News
Satkeholders at GHS launch Family Planning Week celebration in Accra

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has officially launched the 2025 Family Planning Week celebration, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring universal access to reproductive health services.

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme: “Empowering Choices, Strengthening Families for Ghana’s Future.”

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of GHS, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, represented by Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, Director of the Institutional Division, highlighted the vital role family planning plays in advancing health, education, and national development.

He commended Ghana’s progress in expanding access to modern contraceptives but cautioned that challenges such as commodity security and dwindling external funding threaten the programme’s long-term sustainability.

As part of its renewed drive, the GHS has outlined six priority areas to guide Ghana’s family planning agenda:

Ensuring voluntary and universal access to reproductive health services.

Reducing unintended pregnancies and associated maternal health risks.

Expanding educational and economic opportunities through affordable contraceptives.

Empowering young people with accurate information and accessible services.

Promoting equity across regions and social groups.

Encouraging shared responsibility among men, families, and policymakers.

The Director of Family Planning at GHS, Dr. Kennedy Brightson, emphasised that family planning is not only a public health priority but also a fundamental human right central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He noted that access to family planning empowers individuals—particularly women—to make informed choices, leading to improved maternal and child health and stronger, more resilient communities.

During the launch, GHS honoured several staff members with awards for their outstanding leadership and dedication in advancing family planning services.

The Service also commended the Ministry of Health for increasing funding commitments under Ghana’s FP2030 agenda, which seeks to strengthen access to contraceptive commodities nationwide.

The GHS further acknowledged the invaluable support of partners, including UNFPA, WAHO, and the World Health Organisation (WHO), which continue to provide technical and capacity-building assistance.

This includes the training of more than 500 service providers and students in long-acting reversible contraception.

 

The 2025 Family Planning Week celebration, therefore, marks not just a commemoration but a renewed national commitment to reproductive health.

With government, partners, and stakeholders working hand in hand, Ghana is taking decisive steps to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build a healthier future for all.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Edem Afanou