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NGO calls on government to increase funding for paediatric services in Ghana

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Evelyn Arthur Health Foundation, Evelyn Arthur, has called on the government to increase funding for paediatric services while tackling a issues affecting children's healthcare. She said it is essential to prioritise access to preventive services, timely medical interventions and specialised care for chronic conditions. ‘'We must focus on promoting overall well-being and early intervention to address disparities in paediatric healthcare and ensure that all children receive the medical attention they require,’’ she stressed. She is therefore advocating policies that support children's healthcare. ''The policies must look at increased funding for paediatric services, improved insurance coverage for children and initiatives to address social determinants of health that impact paediatric well-being,'' she added. Miss Arthur was speaking during a health screening exercise organised by her foundation under its Health Aid Program for children at New Life Orphanage Home at Nugua in the Greater Accra Region. She underscored the need to expand the availability of paediatric healthcare services in underserved communities, ensuring that children have access to primary care, paediatric specialists, and mental health support. ‘‘Our outfit is making frantic efforts through educational campaigns to increase awareness among parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the importance of early intervention and preventive care for children,’’ she added. Miss Arthur, who doubles as a health professional, called for collaboration between Ghana Health Service and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to address social and environmental factors that affect children's health. She further said, "the collaborative effort should address access to nutritious food, safe housing, and opportunities for physical activity in children’’. She believes that improving children's access to healthcare is crucial for their long-term health and well-being. “We can set the stage for a healthier future for our children if we fix the barriers to care and promote early intervention," Miss Arthur explained. She appealed to private organisations and pharmaceutical companies to assist her foundation with partnerships and sponsorships to reach-out to vulnerable people in deprived areas. For her part, a lab technician, Bridget Sedinam Nyadeka, educated the public on the need to know their blood group. According to her, knowing one’s blood type and status can be crucial for personal health and medical treatment in emergencies. Miss Nyadeka explained that understanding one’s blood type is also essential during pregnancy since certain blood types can cause complications such as haemolytic disease of the newborn. The Evelyn Arthur Health Foundation donated toiletries and food items worth GH₵ 15,000 to the New Life Orphanage Home.