WHO Director-General praises Ghana's Free Primary Health Care initiative

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization WHO, has commended Ghana for launching its Free Primary Health Care FPHC initiative. He described it as a significant step towards universal health coverage for the country. In a post on his X page on April 16, 2026, he congratulated President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on the program's rollout. Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the FPHC program is crucial for improving health outcomes by enabling early detection, timely treatment, and effective disease prevention. The initiative aims to broaden access to essential health services, particularly in underserved communities. Expected to cost GH¢1.2 billion annually, the program will initially launch in 150 underserved districts. The rollout includes supplying medical equipment to beneficiary districts and conducting community sensitization through town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements. This program signifies a strategic shift from a treatment-focused approach to a prevention-oriented healthcare model. It incorporates routine screening for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancers, alongside maternal health services, immunization, and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Additionally, over 350 container-based service points will be established in busy public areas to enhance healthcare accessibility.