Ghana has taken a significant step towards transforming its health system with the launch of a joint programme by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the Government of Japan through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). The initiative will harness artificial intelligence (AI) to improve health outcomes, strengthen system resilience, and protect vulnerable populations.
The programme, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Ghana, comes at a critical moment as countries increasingly turn to digital innovation to address complex health challenges, including climate-sensitive diseases and inequities in access to care. It seeks to advance Ghana’s digital health transformation by embedding AI into health systems in a way that is ethical, inclusive, and people-centred.
Speaking at the launch, hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the WHO Representative to Ghana underscored the importance of building a strong and secure digital health ecosystem,
“This Joint UNDP–WHO programme will strengthen Ghana’s digital health ecosystem, advancing AI governance, safeguarding health data, and empowering a workforce ready to deliver people-centred care”.
The initiative focuses on strengthening institutional and human capacity for AI governance, ensuring robust data privacy and security, and expanding digital literacy among healthcare workers and communities. It also aims to deploy AI-enabled early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases, integrated into national platforms such as DHIS2, while fostering responsible private-sector engagement.
Highlighting the broader development impact, Niloy Bernejee, UNDP Resident Representative noted that digital innovation is central to resilience and sustainable development. “Strengthening health systems and advancing responsible digital innovation can reinforce stability, build resilience, and drive sustainable development”, he said.
Grounded in the human security approach, the programme prioritises the protection and empowerment of individuals, particularly vulnerable and marginalised populations, ensuring they are safeguarded from risks such as data breaches and climate-related health threats while benefiting from equitable access to digital health solutions.
Japan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation that delivers long-term impact in Ghana’s health sector. As noted by the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, H.E Hiroshi Yoshimoto, the initiative reflects a shared vision for sustainable development through technology. “Japan is proud to support this AI-driven health initiative in Ghana to advance innovation that strengthens health systems and delivers sustainable impact”, he said.
The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, stating that, “By embedding artificial intelligence into the health system, Ghana can advance equity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient healthcare system”.
Also speaking at the event, the Honorable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, emphasized the broader national vision for AI, stating that the technology will shape the future of economies, governments, and societies. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem to harness AI for human development, pointing to the National AI Strategy as a key milestone.
Representing the Minister of Health, the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Health, Dr Belinda Nimako, reiterated that integrating AI into the health system presents an opportunity to enhance equity, improve efficiency, and strengthen resilience across healthcare delivery.
The event was also attended by the UN Resident Coordinator to Ghana, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, and the Chairperson of the National Planning Committee.
By placing people at the centre of digital transformation, the programme is expected to strengthen Ghana’s health system, improve service delivery, and ensure that the benefits of AI translate into inclusive, equitable, and sustainable health outcomes for all.