Accra: The Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), is taking significant steps to enhance the capacity of family planning service providers in the Oti Region, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to Ghana News Agency, this initiative is part of a broader effort to equip healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge, practical skills, and tools necessary for the delivery of quality, accessible, and client-focused family planning services. The training covers a range of essential topics including evidence-based family planning methods, effective client counseling, informed consent, confidentiality, and adherence to national reproductive health policies and service delivery protocols.
Mrs. Veronica Kakah, the Oti Regional Public Health Nurse of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized the importance of strengthening the capacity of service providers. She noted that this effort is critical to improving the overall quality of care, increasing the uptake of family planning services, and reducing the unmet need for reproductive healthcare throughout the region. "The goal is to ensure that service providers are adequately equipped to offer respectful, confidential, and high-quality family planning services that respond to the needs and circumstances of clients in diverse communities," she stated.
Mrs. Kakah further explained that well-trained providers are better positioned to offer accurate information and support, enabling individuals and couples to make informed reproductive health decisions. The ORCC highlighted that this initiative aligns with both regional and national health priorities aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes, promoting responsible parenthood, and expanding access to essential reproductive health services.
Officials noted the substantial impact of access to quality family planning services in reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths, improving family health and wellbeing, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals related to health and gender equality. They called for sustained collaboration among health authorities, development partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure ongoing capacity building, an adequate supply of family planning commodities, and effective monitoring mechanisms to maintain high standards of service delivery.
Mr. Prince Latif Oyejunle, Assistant Director of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, reaffirmed the commitment of both the ORCC and the Ghana Health Service to strengthening the regional health system. He emphasized ensuring that reproductive health services remain accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all residents.