Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Evelyn Arthur Health Foundation, Evelyn Arthur, has urged the government to enhance funding for paediatric services and address issues affecting children’s healthcare.
She emphasized the importance of prioritizing access to preventive services, timely medical interventions, and specialized care for chronic conditions concerning children’s health.
‘’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 made these remarks during a health screening event organized by her foundation as part of its Health Aid Program for children at the New Life Orphanage Home in Nungua, Greater Accra Region.
She emphasized the importance of broadening the reach of paediatric healthcare services in underserved communities, emphasizing the necessity for children to 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 also serves as a health professional, advocated for collaboration between the Ghana Health Service and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) to collectively address social and environmental factors impacting 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 emphasizes the critical importance of enhancing children’s access to healthcare 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 made an appeal to private organizations and pharmaceutical companies, urging them to collaborate with her foundation through partnerships and sponsorships to extend assistance to vulnerable individuals in deprived areas.
In addition to the health screening, Bridget Sedinam Nyadeka, a lab technician, took the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of knowing their blood group. She highlighted that being aware of one’s blood type is crucial for personal health and medical treatment in emergencies. Nyadeka further explained that understanding one’s blood type is particularly essential during pregnancy, as certain blood types can lead to complications such as haemolytic disease of the newborn.
As part of their charitable efforts, the Evelyn Arthur Health Foundation donated toiletries and food items worth GH₵ 15,000 to the New Life Orphanage Home.