Juaboso District Health Management Committee Addresses Key Health Challenges and Strengthens Service Delivery
The Juaboso District Health Management Committee has held a meeting to deliberate on critical health issues and strengthen healthcare delivery across the district.
The committee, chaired by the District Chief Executive, convened in his absence. The meeting was led by the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Godfred K.B. Banornumah, and brought together key stakeholders including the District Director of Health, Dr. Deborah Mensah, traditional leaders (Nananom), and Honourable Assembly Members.
Service Delivery and Staff Welfare
In her presentation, Dr. Mensah highlighted challenges affecting newly recruited health staff, particularly difficulties in securing accommodation. She appealed to traditional leaders to support efforts in providing housing to improve staff retention and service delivery.
Updates were also provided on the progress of CHPS compounds under construction across the district.
Immunization and Maternal Health
Presenting on the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Dr. Mensah reported that 1,284 children received the Penta antigen, representing 78% coverage. Other vaccines discussed included Measles-Rubella, HPV, and Malaria.
She noted that some CHPS facilities lack vaccine refrigerators, affecting storage and accessibility, and recommended the provision of fridges across all facilities.
She further emphasized the importance of early antenatal care, noting that delays in reporting pregnancy can lead to complications such as low haemoglobin levels.
Disease Surveillance and Public Health Data
The district recorded a total OPD attendance of 22,409, with 14,035 confirmed malaria cases. Twelve tuberculosis cases—all males aged between 25 and 64—are currently on treatment.
HIV testing recorded 551 males and 954 females, with 19 males and 50 females testing positive. All identified cases have been linked to care.
Ebola Update and Preparedness
Dr. Mensah provided updates on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), specifically the Bundibugyo strain. She noted that the outbreak was declared by the World Health Organization on 15th May 2026, with reported cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
She outlined key symptoms and preventive measures, including proper hand hygiene, early detection, and avoiding contact with infected persons.
The district has initiated preparedness measures such as staff training, public education, and formation of response teams. However, challenges remain, including inadequate PPE, lack of N95 masks, and limited funding for emergency response and public sensitization.
Free Primary Health Care and Access Challenges
Touching on the Free Primary Health Care Policy, Dr. Mensah explained that services such as screening are provided at CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics at no cost.
She encouraged early healthcare seeking behavior to reduce complications and unnecessary referrals.
Challenges affecting access include transportation difficulties, delays in NHIS reimbursements, and stockouts of essential medical supplies.
Infrastructure and Logistics
The district faces infrastructure and logistics constraints, including limited motorbikes (18 serving 39 facilities), inadequate staff accommodation, need for CHPS renovations, and insufficient vaccine storage facilities.
Decline in OPD Attendance
Medical Superintendent, Dr. Alfred Kwame Asamoah, noted a decline in OPD attendance, attributing it to long waiting times, misconceptions about free healthcare, and patient expectations regarding medication.
He emphasized the need for continuous public education and improved service delivery strategies.
Conclusion
The meeting highlighted the need for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to address ongoing challenges and improve healthcare delivery across the Juaboso District.
