By Albert Allotey
Accra, Nov. 24, GNA – Civil society organisations in health have called on all stakeholders in the upcoming political elections to prioritise peace as a foundation for sustaining healthcare system.
The CSOs include the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, and the Ghana NCD Alliance.
They said, “As Ghana approaches its upcoming elections, we call upon citizens, stakeholders, politicians, political parties, CSO actors, the media, and religious and traditional leaders, to help ensure peace before, during and after the elections.”
This was in a statement signed by Mr Labram M. Musah, the National Coordinator, Ghana NCD Alliance, and the Executive Director, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, copied to the Ghana News Agency.
It said, “Instability has far-reaching consequences on health and well-being, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, women, and persons living with chronic diseases.”
The statement said according to the World Health Organization, instability exacerbates the prevalence of preventable diseases, increases mortality rates, and deepens health inequities.
“Countries experiencing conflict often face severe interruptions in healthcare delivery, with cascading effects on public health outcomes,” it stated.
The CSOs noted that in neighbouring countries where political unrest has unfolded, health services have been severely disrupted.
“For instance, in Sudan, the ongoing conflict has led to a near collapse of healthcare infrastructure, leaving millions without access to basic health services including food and clean water.
“Similarly, countries like Syria and Yemen have witnessed skyrocketing rates of maternal and child mortality due to prolonged instability. These global patterns underscore the urgent need for Ghana to safeguard its peace to prevent similar health crises,” the statement said.
It stated that the country’s healthcare system is already challenged, and any unrest would exacerbate the situation.
“Women and children are particularly vulnerable to healthcare disruptions during unrest,” adding that according to the 2023 UNICEF Child Health Report, interruptions in immunization services can lead to increased cases of measles, malaria, and malnutrition among children under five.
The statement said the report emphasized that children in conflict zones were three times more likely to die from preventable diseases than their peers in stable environments.
“Patients living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer among others are disproportionately affected by instability. Interruptions in the supply chain of essential medicines and healthcare access can lead to severe complications and higher mortality rates,” it stated.
It said the International Monetary Fund estimated that health system disruptions due to conflict could cost countries up to 20 per cent of their GDP and that in Ghana, instability during the election period could result in billions of cedis in lost healthcare expenditure, which could further strain the fragile system.
“Ghana has long been a beacon of peace in the region, therefore the peace must be nurtured, sustained, and protected, especially during critical periods like the upcoming elections.
“The link between stability and health cannot be overstated. Without peace, health systems will falter, and the lives of countless Ghanaians, particularly women and children, will hang in the balance,” the statement urged.
It stated that peace is not just a political or social ideal; it is a health imperative, “As such we urge all stakeholders to recognize that maintaining peace is essential for a healthier, more prosperous Ghana.
“Together, let us protect our stability and build a resilient healthcare system that serves every Ghanaian, regardless of background or circumstance.”
GNA