First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, has called for the integration of mental health services into child healthcare strategies.
She said the integration of mental health in child healthcare delivery required a holistic approach to address the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of children.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Paediatric Society of Ghana’s Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM), 2025 in Accra, Mrs. Mahama highlighted the growing mental health challenges faced by children, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The event on the theme: “Bridging the Gaps and Building Resilience in Child Health Care Delivery Across Ghana,” brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving child healthcare delivery.
The AGSM 2025 of the Paediatric Society of Ghana presents a pivotal opportunity to unite diverse stakeholders in the mission to achieve Universal Health Coverage for children across Ghana.
The conference brought together esteemed professionals, researchers, and leaders from various fields, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
It will also engage partners and stakeholders including WHO, UNICEF, Ghana Health Service, GJA and GMA to discuss the common goal of ensuring a resilience delivery of quality child healthcare across Ghana.
Mrs. Mahama stressed that mental health was a critical component of a child’s overall development.
“Building resilience in child healthcare delivery is not just about addressing physical health gaps. It is also about fostering emotional, psychological, and social development,” she said.
The First Lady said that children in remote areas often faced significant barriers to accessing essential health services, leading to preventable diseases and long-term developmental challenges.
She called on healthcare professionals, including paediatricians and nurses, to address mental health disparities by leveraging technology, training community health workers, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations.
Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, echoed the call for Universal Health Coverage to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all children, regardless of their background or financial status.
Dr. Boye said there were disparities between urban and rural healthcare access and advocated for strengthened primary care, expanded paediatric services, and innovative solutions like telemedicine.
She said that collaborative efforts, sustainable financing, and a multi-agency approach were essential to building a resilient healthcare system that safeguards the future of Ghana’s children.
GNA
