The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has called on the government and stakeholders to prioritize healthcare for children and adolescents, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
At its 32nd Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM), held from 5 to 7 February 2026 in Koforidua, the society focused on the theme: “Leaving no child behind: advancing equitable health care for children and adolescents with non-communicable diseases.”
The PSG highlighted that children face a “double burden” of communicable and non-communicable diseases, with poverty and poor health-seeking behaviour worsening outcomes. It urged the government to integrate paediatric NCDs into national health plans, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and expand financing and insurance schemes such as the NHIS and Ghana Medical Trust Fund to cover diagnostics, screening, and essential medicines including insulin, hydroxyurea, and dialysis care.
The society also called for an end to stigma surrounding conditions such as asthma, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and epilepsy, emphasizing the need for parental, school, and community support to help affected children adhere to treatment plans.
Environmental concerns were also raised. The PSG condemned illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey,” which it said are destroying forests, contaminating water, and threatening public health, particularly for children. The society urged stronger enforcement of environmental policies and community engagement to mitigate these risks.
The PSG further reaffirmed the need for sustained investment in research to generate locally relevant data, strengthen healthcare systems, and improve outcomes for children and adolescents living with NCDs.
Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, PSG President, and Dr. Gabrielle Obeng-Koranteng, General Secretary, said all children in Ghana should have access to effective and responsive healthcare, with a renewed focus on preventing and managing non-communicable diseases.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
