USAID Donates Boats to Enhance Health Access in Western Region’s Riverine Communities.

Nzulezo: The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its implementing partner JSI, has donated two new boats to the Ghana Health Services (GHS) in Nzulezo and Jaway-Wharf, located in the Western Region. This initiative aims to facilitate medical outreach activities in riverine areas, improving health outcomes for the communities. According to Ghana News Agency, the two boats, a 12-seater 'Western Princess GHS6' and an 8-seater 'Western Express GHS5', are the first of their kind in Nzulezo and Jaway-Wharf. They will enhance healthcare access for approximately 7,500 residents across 28 communities in the Jomoro district. Constructed from reinforced fiberglass, the boats were designed and manufactured in Ghana, equipped with essential storage for medical supplies. The 'Western Princess GHS6' features a washroom, storage cabin, and advanced navigation tools, supporting outreach programs in the Jaway-Wharf riverine communities. Meanwhile, the 'Western Express GHS5' includes a stretcher for patient transport and will be utilized by health workers to provide care in Nzulezo, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on stilts over water. Mr. Henry Ajewi-Narh Nagai, USAID Care Continuum Project Chief of Party, highlighted the timely arrival of the boats, emphasizing their role in supporting healthcare services for the underserved riverine communities. The boats facilitate the referral of pregnant women to treatment areas and the transport of sick children and emergency cases. Mr. Nagai noted that the boats were manufactured by Stanco, a Ghanaian company with international certification, committed to maintaining the boats and providing training to ensure their longevity. He detailed that the Jaway-Wharf boat features an outboard motor powered by petrol, equipped with safety belts, eco-sounders, and navigational and satellite lights. Madam Kimberly Rosen, USAID/Ghana Mission Director, expressed pride in partnering with GHS to deliver health services to remote commu nities. She emphasized that USAID's donations, including boats, motorcycles, and vehicles, contribute to Ghana's goal of Universal Health Coverage. The boats will enhance medical outreach efforts, providing immunizations, maternal and childcare, malaria treatment, nutrition, and other health services. Madam Rosen also highlighted the United States' role as Ghana's largest development partner, providing over $150 million annually, with almost half allocated to health activities last year. She mentioned that in February 2024, USAID donated a Health Voyager boat to the Oti region and renovated another for the Volta region. Additionally, USAID has donated over 300 motorcycles, 20 vehicles, and more than one million dollars' worth of health equipment to communities across Ghana in the past year. Mr. Gabriel Yengliereh, Jomoro Municipal Director of Health Services, noted the absence of health facilities in communities along the lagoons, making road access nearly impossible. He expressed satisfaction that the new boats would enable the delivery of critical health services directly to these remote communities.