Three International organisations has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve Ghana’s primary healthcare, and strengthen global health security defenses against current and future pandemic threats.

The organisations which are the Korea International Corporation Agency(KOICA), Japan International Corporation Agency(JICA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will leverage their individual expertise and resources to support three key health priorities in Ghana.

The priorities areas are primary healthcare, heath governance at the sub-national level and global health security.

The Countries Representative of KOICA, Mr Seungmin Oh, Mr Suzuki Momoko of JICA, and Madam Grace Lang of USAID signed on behalf of their organisations to affirm their commitment to the agreement.

Present at the ceremony yesterday in Accra, was the South Korea Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Lim Jung-Taek, Japan Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Mochizuki Hisanobu, and U.S Ambassador, Virginia Palmer who signed the certification for the commencement of the MOU.

Per the MOU, USAID plan to invest up to 135 United State dollars through 2027, subject to approval, KOICA is also estimated approximately 23 million dollars while JICA invest it’s technical and financial resources .

Mr Jung-Taek said the significance of the MOU cannot be overated as it represent a powerful testament to the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that bind their nations.

He added that, the agreement underscores their collective determination to safeguard the health and well-being of Ghanaian, as the globe emerged from the challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

” We are actually aware of the importance of the resilient health systems. While we may be witnessing some progress in overcoming this global crisis,” he said.

According to him, “We must not forget the lessons it taught us, as the pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in the healthcare infrastructure, and it is our duty to bolster our defenses against current and future pandemic.”

Mr Jung-Taek said, Korea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Ghana in achieving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening health security, saying ” we will work hand in hand with our esteemed partners to improve primary healthcare service, to ensure healthcare service are easily accessible.”

Madam Palmer added that, the United State is committed to working with global partners to invest in primary healthcare and global health security, stressing ” no country can afford to stand alone during a pandemic.”

She said COVID-19 has shown the world the power of strategic partnership with allies, to build a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous world.

Mr Hisanobu noted that, the MoU was the first of its kind between all the parties, aimed to contributes to the achievement of universal coverage in Ghana with USAID and KOICA.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley Mensah said, the collaboration deepens the health sector support and partnership with USAID, JICA and KOICA, as it would contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2023.

She said despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges, significant progress has been made in the health sector, saying ” the National Health Insurance Scheme increased from 42 per cent into 2020 to 57 per cent in 2022.

BY BERNARD BENGHAN