HEALTH


Tano South launches child health promotion week

The Tano South Municipality has launched this year’s Child Health Promotion Week with a passionate appeal for collective action to prioritize and protect children’s health.

Date Created : 7/7/2025 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Barnie Agyeman/Ghanadistricts.com

As part of a national initiative under the Ghana Health Service, the campaign aimed at promoting essential child health services, including immunizations, nutrition, mental health awareness, and disease prevention.

The theme of the campaign underscored the collective responsibility of safeguarding children’s well-being, recognizing them as both the nation’s present and future.

The event which took place at the Bechem Government Hospital, drew diverse representation including, Dr. David Kofi Twumasi Medical Superintendent of Bechem Government Hospital, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong MCE Tano South, Dr. Sabina Antobam, a Pediatrician at Bechem Government

Hospital, The Municipal Director of Health Services, Dr. Joel Duah, health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, the Ghana Education Service, community stakeholders, mothers and care givers.

Dr. David Kofi Twumasi, Medical Superintendent of Bechem Government Hospital, in his welcome address thanked everyone for coming and expressed his delight in hosting the program at the award- winning hospital and highlighted the importance of early antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, and routine immunization and urging mothers as well as caregivers to stay committed to healthy practices.

He stated that starting antenatal care early saves lives, whilst exclusive breastfeeding gives babies the best foundation in life, stressing that Immunizations remain one of the most effective ways to protect our children from preventable diseases.

Delivering his keynote Address, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, the Municipal Chief Executive for Tano South, called for a unified approach in tackling child health issues and stated that on this day, we are not only launching a program, but reaffirming our commitment to investing in our children’s physical and emotional well-being.

He further explained that from healthy nutrition to mental health, vaccinations to physical activity, every effort we make now shapes the leaders of tomorrow, urge every parent, teacher, healthcare professional, and community leader to play their part.

Hon. Frimpong also commended mothers for attending Child Welfare Clinics (CWC) and encouraged communities to embrace vaccinations and health education initiatives that support children’s growth and resilience.

He reiterated the government’s vision for healthcare which includes infrastructure improvement and welfare of workers.

Dr. Sabina Antobam, a Pediatrician at Bechem Government Hospital, in her address reminded the audience that child health is a shared responsibility. He stressed that from families to faith groups, everyone has a role to play, highlighting key issues affecting children in the municipality, including malnutrition, mental health challenges, and child abuse, calling for more proactive interventions.

The Municipal Director of Health Services, Dr. Joel Duah advised parents to remain consistent in attending weighing sessions and to trust the safety of vaccinations.

He stated that the vaccines they administer are well-tested, safe, and effective and advised that attending child welfare sessions regularly is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways parents can invest in their children’s health.

Bringing the event to a close, Health professionals also seized the opportunity to address the growing threat of Mpox, with over 170 confirmed cases nationwide, and the recent COVID-19 resurgence at the University of Ghana, advising attendees to adhere to health protocols and report symptoms early.

The week-long campaign is scheduled to continue with community outreach, education campaigns, and home visits by the Tano South Municipal Health Directorate, ensuring that no child is left behind.