Accra: The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has called for stronger collaboration between public relations professionals and the health sector to improve public health outcomes and combat misinformation. Speaking at the PR Dialogue held as part of the World Public Relations Day Festival 2026, Dr. Bampoe emphasized the crucial role of effective communication in healthcare delivery, noting its ability to influence public behavior, promote preventive care, and strengthen public confidence in health systems.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Bampoe highlighted that achieving Universal Health Coverage requires more than just financing healthcare; it demands sustained public engagement through the dissemination of accurate, timely, and accessible information. He stated, "At the National Health Insurance Authority, we recognize that achieving Universal Health Coverage goes beyond financing healthcare. It also requires engaging people, listening to communities, and providing timely, accurate, and accessible information that enables every Ghanaian to take charge of their health."
Dr. Bampoe reiterated the NHIA's commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging healthier lifestyles through its partnership with this year's World PR Day Festival. The '60 Seconds of Wellness' campaign reflects this commitment, delivering practical wellness messages throughout the festival to underline the importance of small but consistent actions in maintaining good health.
He urged communication professionals to use their influence responsibly, promoting credible health information and challenging misinformation. "As communication professionals, you are among the most trusted voices in society. The stories you tell, the messages you amplify, and the conversations you shape have the power to influence attitudes and drive positive social change," Dr. Bampoe noted.
Moreover, Dr. Bampoe encouraged Ghanaians to prioritize their wellbeing by scheduling regular medical check-ups, staying physically active, paying attention to their mental health, and keeping their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership active to ensure continued access to quality healthcare. He stressed the importance of stronger partnerships between the communications profession and the health sector to build a healthier, better-informed, and more resilient Ghana.
The PR Dialogue was part of the World PR Day Festival 2026, organized by Global Media Alliance, and brought together communication professionals, students, and industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of public relations under the theme, 'Reimagining PR.'