Health authorities in the Akatsi North District of Ghana's Volta Region have reported improved health-seeking behaviour among young people following interventions under the Canada-funded AGP programme. The development emerged during a field visit by the AGP Steering Committee to assess the implementation and impact of the programme at Ave-Xevi.
The AGP programme has supported health service delivery in the district through capacity-building and the provision of warehouse equipment to improve the safe storage and management of health commodities. Health workers have received training in basic emergency obstetric care, family planning, long-acting reversible contraceptive services, and other life-saving skills.
The training has strengthened the capacity of health workers to manage critical cases, including postpartum haemorrhage. Some health workers attribute successful management of such cases to skills acquired through the programme. The Safety Net component has also benefited adolescents, particularly girls, by providing them with information and support to make informed decisions about their health and future.
The collaboration between programme partners and health facilities has strengthened STI screening and treatment, as well as family planning services, through outreach activities in communities. Health facility data, including Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance, indicates that more young people are accessing healthcare services than previously.
According to Ms Abigail Kodzo, Acting Director of Health Services at Akatsi North, the programme has impacted the health-seeking behaviour of the youth. She expressed appreciation to development partners for complementing the efforts of the district health service and pledged the district's readiness to partner with organisations committed to improving health outcomes.
Some health workers who benefited from the programme testified to the positive impact of the training on their work. They reported enhanced skills in engaging adolescents, maintaining relevant registers, and improving reporting. Adolescent girls and adolescent mothers also shared how the programme had helped nurses provide them with counselling and guidance during antenatal visits.
The field visit formed part of the committee's assessment of the implementation and impact of the AGP interventions. It provided an opportunity to engage frontline health workers on how the programme was contributing to improved service delivery and healthcare access among adolescents and other community members.
Key points
- The AGP programme has improved health-seeking behaviour among young people in Akatsi North District.
- Health workers have received training in basic emergency obstetric care and family planning services.
- The programme has strengthened STI screening and treatment, as well as family planning services, in the district.
