Western North Regional Health Directorate, Bodi

30/08/2025

On 29th August, 2025, the Honorable Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and his team of the Chief Director and Directors from the Ministry, accompanied by the Regional Minister of Western North Region, Hon Wilbert Petty Brentum and the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, paid a working visit to the Western North Regional Health Directorate. Among the entourage were also Members of Parliament for Sefwi Wiaso and Akontombra, the DCEs of Bodi and Juaboso. The purpose of the visit was to engage with key stakeholders in health, assess ongoing initiatives, and reinforce the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the region.
During the visit, the delegation met with the Regional Health Management Team, District Directors of Health Service, Medical Superintendents and their Nurse Managers, the Leadership of CHAG facilities, Principals of Health Training Institutions and Heads of NHIA, HEFRA, NAS and FDA in the Region. Discussions focused on strategic priorities including attracting and retaining staff, infrastructure development, health information systems, and collaborative efforts to improve service delivery. The Minister commended the region’s progress and emphasized the importance of innovation, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in achieving national health goals.
The Hon Minister’s entourage also toured Bibiani Municipal Hospital, Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital, and Asawinso Government Hospital where he donated essential medical supplies.

26/08/2025

The Regional Director of Health Service, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, met with Principals of Nursing Institutions in the Western-North Region to strengthen collaboration and enhance the quality of nursing education. The meeting focused on aligning academic training with evolving healthcare needs, fostering leadership, and promoting excellence in service delivery.

Together, we’re building a stronger health workforce for a healthier future.

24/08/2025

24/08/2025

Mpox is real and dangerous, but it can be prevented. Watch out for signs like fever, rash, and body aches. If you notice symptoms, report to the nearest health facility immediately. Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones.

24/08/2025

TRAINING OF PRIVATE AND CHAG HEALTH FACILITIES ON INTEGRATED DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND RESPONSE (IDSR) AND MPOX OUTBREAK RESPONSE IN THE WESTERN NORTH.
19th -20th August 2025
Private health facilities remain a vital part of healthcare delivery in the Western North Region. However, many are not fully integrated into the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system, creating gaps in reporting, case detection, and outbreak response. With the recent detection of Mpox cases in Ghana, including our region, strengthening private sector involvement in surveillance and preparedness has become urgent.
✨ Opening Remarks by the Deputy Director of Public Health
He expressed great pleasure in welcoming participants to this important training on IDSR and Mpox outbreak preparedness and response. He emphasized that the private health sector plays a significant role in healthcare delivery, as many people first seek care in private facilities. This makes private facilities critical in early detection, reporting, and management of diseases of public health importance. Over the years, however, gaps have been observed in reporting and coordination from the private sector into the national surveillance system—hence, this training is both timely and necessary.
The emergence of Mpox has reminded us that no facility or district is exempt from outbreaks. The speed at which we detect and respond determines whether we prevent further spread or face a larger public health emergency. This calls for strong collaboration between public and private health facilities.
👩‍⚕👨‍⚕ A total of 60 participants were drawn from private health facilities across the region, including Medical Officers, Laboratory Technicians, Nurse Prescribers, Midwives, Enrolled Nurses, among others.
🔑 Objectives of the Training
⿡ Strengthen knowledge and capacity in using the IDSR system for timely and complete reporting of priority diseases.
⿢ Build preparedness and response to Mpox, especially in Case of detection, infection prevention and control, and collaboration with the public health system.
⿣ Enhance risk communication skills to enable participants to educate and reassure their communities with accurate information.
📘 Key Training Components
✔ Overview of IDSR framework and tools
✔ Case definition & detection of Mpox and other diseases
✔ Surveillance reporting procedures (DHIMS2, alerts, line listing)
✔ Specimen collection, packaging, and referral
✔ IPC measures for Mpox (PPE, isolation, waste management)
✔ Outbreak investigation & response coordination
✔ Risk communication strategies for community engagement
✅ Expected Outcomes
• Active participation of private facilities in IDSR reporting
• Early detection and prompt notification of Mpox and other epidemic-prone diseases
• Strengthened public–private collaboration in health security
• Improved community awareness on prevention and control
Together, we are building a safer, healthier Western North Region! 🌍💪


Great

11/08/2025

The Western North Region held its 2025 Half-Year Review Meeting on 6th August 2025 at the Western Inn Hotel, Sefwi Bodi, under the theme:
“Data for Action: Strengthening Health Information Systems for Evidence-Based Decision Making.”
The event brought together key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, political representatives from the Regional Coordinating Council and District Assembly, health professionals from both public and private institutions, and partner agencies such as HEFRA, NHIA, and the National Ambulance Service.
In her address, the Regional Director of Health Service, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, underscored the need to make data collection a commitment, not just a routine, and data use a core decision-making tool rather than an afterthought at every level of the health system.
Discussions focused on critical health priorities such as improving exclusive breastfeeding rates, and addressing the rise in maternal mortality—from 38 per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 77 per 100,000 live births in the same period of 2025. Other concerns included the urgent need to attract and retain health professionals, as 190 staff requested transfers out of the region while only 17 sought transfers in. Participants also highlighted the pressing need for a Regional Medical Store to strengthen the supply of essential medicines.
Notable achievements that must be sustained include the reduction in all-cause mortality, decline in neonatal mortality, and improvement in NHIS claims rejection rates.
Stakeholders were urged to turn information into action and statistics into stories of change—building a future where every mother receives quality care, every child survives and thrives, and no one is left behind due to lack of access.

10/08/2025

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK, 1ST - 7TH AUGUST 2025.
Western North Region is championing efforts to make
breastfeeding in public a norm and to provide mothers with the comfort and support they need.
Also taking a stand to protect mothers and families from the push of breast milk substitutes.

By supporting breastfeeding, we build stronger foundations for healthier children and communities.
Breastfeeding flourishes when mothers feel supported.

Whether you are family, a friend or part of the community, your encouragement can make a big difference. Together, we can create safe and welcoming spaces that help mothers thrive.

Activities to commemorate the week
1.Community durbar to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding
2.Radio education, Health facility-based education at service points
3. Demonstration on correct positioning and attachment in breastfeeding
4. Floating on street procession with placards, brass band
music to create awareness.
5. Health talks in churches and mosques during
Saturdays, Sundays and Fridays

02/08/2025

Western North Region joins the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week 2025.

As the campaign continues nationwide, Western North region steps up to promote stronger support systems that empower mothers and community members to breastfeed successfully.

Awareness and Community engagement is ongoing in all districts and health facilities, OPD, Maternity units, Churches and Mosques.

01/08/2025

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY COMMEMORATION 28TH JULY 2025

World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28th July each year, is a global initiative to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, promote prevention, and encourage testing and treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners across the globe come together to highlight the urgency of eliminating hepatitis by 2030.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections. Five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D, and E – are responsible for most cases. Hepatitis B and C are the most common, accounting for over 90% of hepatitis-related deaths.

Chronic hepatitis infections can lead to severe health issues, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. According to WHO estimates, approximately 325 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis, and over 1.3 million deaths occur annually due to hepatitis-related complications.

The theme for 2025: Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down calls for urgent action to dismantle the financial, social and systemic barriers – including stigma – that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention

The Regional health directorate organized awareness and screening sessions in districts and health facilities.

25/07/2025

Hi family, warmly greeting from the Western North Regional Health Directorate-BODI.
Updates on Districts and Facility Half year performance review: Bia East DHD, Juaboso DHD, Bodi DHD, Akontombra DHD, Wiawso MHD, Asawinso Government Hospital, Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai MHD.

The purpose of the review is to:
• Evaluate progress made by each district against key performance indicators.
• Promote accountability, transparency, and ownership at the district level.
• Strengthen data use and evidence-based decision-making.
• Identify implementation challenges and provide actionable recommendations.
• Encourage peer learning and sharing of best practices among districts

Key Activities
1. Presentation of District Performance Reports: its achievements, targets, gaps, and lessons learned using standardized reporting tools and dashboards.
2. Identification of Challenges and Bottlenecks:
Operational issues, such as stockouts, data inconsistencies, low coverage, or community resistance, are discussed in detail.
3. Action Planning: District teams revise their work plans to address gaps, re-prioritize activities, and ensure strategic focus for the rest of the year.
4. Recognition of Performance:
High-performing districts or individuals may be acknowledged to motivate excellence and reinforce performance culture.
5. Shares best practices and innovations

Expected Outcomes
• Improved understanding of district-level performance across the region.
• Concrete action points developed for each district to improve service delivery.
• Enhanced collaboration between districts, partners, and the regional leadership.
• Renewed commitment to achieving 2025 targets.

Conclusion
The Half-Year Performance Review Meeting is an essential platform for reflection, accountability, and learning. In the Western North Region, it ensures that all districts are aligned, supported, and motivated to deliver better health outcomes and development results for their communities.

22/07/2025

*MPOX Update as at 18th July 2025*

*16 new cases* recorded, bringing the *total confirmed cases to 234.*

MPOX spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has the infection.

To prevent it:
🟩 Avoid close contact with infected persons
🟩 Wash hands regularly with soap and water
🟩 Avoid touching rashes or body fluids
🟩 Use protective gear when caring for a sick person

Report symptoms early and seek medical care.