Millions of women of reproductive age in Ghana now have access to free long-term contraception, with organizations and volunteers playing a key role in reaching rural communities to invite even more women to join the expanded health insurance program and thus regain control of their lives and bodies.
“We are excited that at long last, long-term family planning methods are included in the National Health Insurance Scheme,” states Abena Adubea Amoah, the Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG). “This means long time peace of mind for women, girls, and their families with potential positive impact on their health and economic life.”
Through its National Health Insurance Program, Ghana is providing women of reproductive age with free long-term contraception such as implants, coils, and injections, which are now covered. Organizations such as PPAG play an important role in the prevention of maternal deaths and disabilities. Since 1967, thanks to its 100 staff members, 1,000 volunteers, and 300 peer educators, the organization is well-positioned to offer family planning services, maternity and child health care, infertility management, and voluntary counseling and testing for STIs in permanent and mobile clinics in urban and rural communities. There are still 3.7 women of reproductive age who are not covered by the health insurance program, and community-based services can encourage them to sign up. The government’s goal is to reach zero maternal deaths and disabilities by 2030. Helping the youth contributes to the country’s socio-economic development because they are a critical force for achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 – Sustainable Development Goals.
