The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF) will host its first physical-world meeting of Ghana Scholars and Alumni on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in Accra. Seventy-two health professionals from across Ghana’s health system will participate in the evening event.
The participants include staff from the Ghana Health Service, teaching hospitals, district health directorates, and non-governmental organizations. They represent all levels of the health system, with 8 working at the national level, 8 at regional facilities, 39 in district health services, and 13 in community-based programs.
“This is a great opportunity for all health workers for impact,” says one participant, reflecting the anticipation among attendees.
These professionals are alumni of TGLF’s programs, including the Movement for Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) and Teach to Reach initiatives, which focus on transforming global health strategies into practical, locally-adapted solutions.
“TGLF’s learning platforms give us great information and knowledge that are feasible and can be applied in the field,” notes Gordon Yibey from the Asutifi South District.
The meeting will feature a message from the Programme Manager of Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), followed by discussions on strengthening partnerships with Ghana Health Service and advancing immunization and responding to health of impacts of climate change, malaria, and NTDs. Participants will share experiences from their work and discuss challenges in implementing health programs across different contexts.
To enable broad participation, the organizers have arranged a hybrid format. 31 participants will attend in person, while 39 will join remotely. This approach allows health workers from northern regions and remote districts to contribute their perspectives without traveling to Accra.
As one participant from a civil society organization explains, “I will join remotely to avoid travelling and accommodation inconveniences since I am not a resident in Accra.”
Another participant from Kintampo in the Bono East Region captures the spirit of anticipation: “Even though I’m not based in Accra, I can’t wait. I must be there as a member of TGLF Alumni.”
The non-governmental health sector will be represented by staff of organizations that include the Community and Family Aid Foundation-Ghana, Seek to Save Foundation, and Restorative Seed Society, which work to complement government health services in various communities.
Healthcare facilities with participating staff include teaching hospitals in Tamale, Sunyani, and Korle Bu, district hospitals, polyclinics, and community health centers. Several nursing training colleges will also participate, bringing perspectives from health education.
The evening’s agenda includes discussions on:
- Current challenges in Ghana’s health system
- Implementation of Immunization Agenda 2030
- Impact of climate change on health services and disease patterns
- Malaria control and elimination strategies
- Neglected Tropical Diseases, with specific focus on female genital schistosomiasis (FGS)
- Service integration opportunities for primary health care (PHC)
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaboration between different levels and domains of the health system
The meeting aims to facilitate knowledge sharing among health professionals and explore ways to strengthen Ghana’s health services through collaborative approaches grounded in The Geneva Learning Foundation’s innovative model to catalyze change led by health professionals working with communities.
Another participant from looks ahead: “What next, after this historic encounter in Ghana for sustainable improvement and continued knowledge brokering exchange?”
Painting: The Geneva Learning Foundation Collection © 2024