EX TV GH People Matter
By: Michael Nene Lamptey
Total Family Health Organization (TFHO) has formalized a significant partnership with the The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening media capacity to advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) in Ghana. As part of this collaboration, a two-day capacity-building workshop was held in Kumasi from November 12 to 13, 2024. Media representatives from all 16 regions of Ghana attended the event, which provided a platform for knowledge exchange and skills enhancement on these critical health topics.
In his opening address, Dr. Emmanuel Ameh, Technical Advisor at TFHO, welcomed participants and and emphasized the role of media professionals as catalysts for change in their communities. He described the workshop as an opportunity to gain valuable insights and become advocates for SRH and MNCH issues.
GIBA’s Executive Secretary, Gloria Hiadzi, lauded the partnership and highlighted the media’s pivotal role in educating the public on health issues. She stated
“The media occupies a unique and vital position in society. To fulfill this role effectively, continuous capacity building for media practitioners is essential to ensure accurate and reliable information is disseminated,”
She encouraged participants to fully engage in the training, advocating for their communities and strengthening GIBA’s collective voice on these critical health topics.
Highlights of the Workshop
The workshop featured a series of informative sessions led by experienced facilitators:
Dr. Emmanuel Ameh (Technical Advisor, TFHO): Introduced TFHO’s work and the USAID-funded Social Marketing and Private Sector Activity project, a five-year initiative aimed at broadening Ghana’s Total Market Approach to Family Planning and Maternal & Child Health. He highlighted the project’s objectives, including increasing contraceptive prevalence, reducing unmet family planning needs, and improving maternal and child health outcomes. He underscored the partnership with GIBA as a key strategy to mobilize family planning champions and advocate for increased investment in SRH services.
Mr. Bright Addo (TFHO Senior Research Officer): Presented an overview of family planning and maternal health trends in Ghana, drawing on data from the Ghana demographic Health Survey. He emphasized the growing unmet need for family planning services.
Madam Salamatu Abdulai (Programme Manager, TFHO): Delivered a session titled “FP & MCH 101”, debunking myths and misconceptions about family planning while addressing challenges that come with addressing misinformation and cultural stigma.
Dr. Claudette Diego (National FP Programme Manager, Ghana Health Service): Discussed Ghana’s FP2030 commitment and its costed implementation plan. She stressed the media’s crucial role in demand generation, and its responsibility to help Government in areas of stewardship, and accountability to meet Ghana’s family planning goals.
Mr. Otis Acheampong (Social Behavioral Change Specialist): shared strategies for effectively communicating FP and MCH issues effectively to diverse audiences.
Mary Dornukwor Teye (TFHO Programme Manager): Reviewed USAID FP program guidelines and compliance requirements.
Mr. Yooku Ata-Bedu (USAID-DOCS): conducted practical sessions on telling compelling stories and creating engaging campaigns that humanize health issues and engage audiences.
Other notable speakers included Mr. Francis Oko Armah, the President of Youth Kommunity, who addressed issues to do with youth advocacy for FP and MCH, and Mr. Abdulai Awudu, GIBA Executive Council member, who led participants to discuss the media’s responsibility in promoting Sexual Reprodcutive Health (SRH) and MCH issues.
The workshop concluded with a call for continued collaboration. GIBA members requested additional support, including funding and resources to enhance their advocacy efforts. TFHO pledged to provide ongoing support, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing public health advocacy in Ghana.
Certificates of participation were presented to attendees, marking the start of a strengthened partnership between GIBA and TFHO in advancing public health advocacy in Ghana.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the workshop, calling it an eye-opener that dispelled myths and provided essential tools for responsible journalism on health matters.
