The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed its dedication to improving women’s health and well-being, as part of its broader welfare and health policies.
At the launch of the NDC’s Women’s Manifesto in Kumasi, Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, a prominent health advocate, delivered a keynote address highlighting the party’s plan to address the pressing health challenges facing Ghanaian women.
Prof. Ayensu underscored the critical role women play in society, stating, “Women are the backbone of our communities, and our health and well-being are essential to building stronger, more resilient families and societies.
” She further emphasized the need to prioritize women’s health, given the persistent challenges they face, including limited access to quality healthcare, gender-based violence, and mental health stigma.
One of the key highlights of her speech was the NDC’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, which remain a significant concern.
Over the past five years, Ghana has recorded 4,350 maternal deaths, with the infant mortality rate at 33.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023. Prof. Ayensu emphasized that these figures indicate a long road ahead in improving health outcomes for women and children.
To address these challenges, the NDC has pledged to increase funding for women’s health services and research, promote education on women’s health issues, and support policies that empower women.
Additionally, the party intends to foster inclusive communities that encourage self-care and stress management practices.
Central to the NDC’s health policy is the construction of a state-of-the-art 500-bed Specialist Children’s Hospital.
This facility will focus on providing critical pediatric services, including intensive care, pediatric surgery, oncology, cardiology, and other specialized treatments.
Prof. Ayensu stressed the need for such a facility, stating, “None of our current hospitals focuses exclusively on pediatric care, leading to overcrowding and inadequate care in general hospitals.”
In line with addressing fertility challenges, the NDC also plans to establish a comprehensive fertility center, offering advanced fertility treatments, genetic counseling, and pre-pregnancy health services.
This initiative aims to provide affordable fertility options to Ghanaian couples and reduce the burden on existing healthcare facilities.
The NDC’s Women’s Manifesto also highlights job creation as a key component of the health initiatives.
The construction of the Specialist Children’s Hospital is expected to create numerous employment opportunities for healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, nurses, fertility specialists, and administrative staff.
The manifesto launch concluded with a strong message of hope, as Prof. Ayensu reiterated the NDC’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of women across Ghana, ensuring that they lead healthy and productive lives under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama.
The NDC’s health and welfare policies continue to prioritize the unique needs of Ghanaian women, with a focus on prevention, education, and access to essential healthcare services.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
