Entry to protected, efficient, quality-assured, and inexpensive medicines is essential for reaching Common Well being Protection (UHC) and bettering public well being outcomes. A robust Nationwide Medicines Coverage (NMP) supplies the framework to information the regulation, choice, provide, and use of medicines — guaranteeing that nobody is left behind. It shapes how international locations like Ghana handle pharmaceutical companies, from procurement and pricing to rational use and native manufacturing, making it a key instrument for well being techniques strengthening.
Ghana’s dedication to making sure equitable entry to protected, efficient, and inexpensive medicines marked a brand new milestone on April 25, 2025, as stakeholders validated evaluation instruments and methodologies throughout an engagement with the technical marketing consultant main the evaluate of the nation’s Nationwide Medicines Coverage (NMP).
The World Well being Group (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Well being (MoH), is supporting the evaluate of the expired 2017 coverage to make sure that Ghana’s pharmaceutical and well being techniques proceed to satisfy the evolving wants of its folks and advance progress towards Common Well being Protection (UHC).
At a validation assembly, WHO supplied technical assist to make sure that the instruments and methodology guiding the impartial evaluation are sturdy, complete, and match for objective. The findings of the evaluation and corresponding suggestions will inform the total evaluate and preparation of a brand new Nationwide Medicines Coverage, following the expiration of the 2017 version.
The 2017 Nationwide Medicines Coverage was deeply rooted within the health-related Sustainable Growth Objectives (SDGs), significantly SDG 3 on good well being and well-being. It was additionally aligned with Ghana’s Shared Development and Growth Agenda and nationwide well being methods geared toward bridging fairness gaps, bettering healthcare financing, and enhancing service supply. The coverage centered on strengthening pharmaceutical governance, bettering procurement techniques, institutionalizing conventional medication follow, supporting the native pharmaceutical manufacturing trade, and selling rational medication use amongst others.
An impartial mid-term evaluate performed in 2021 revealed that just about half (47%) of the important thing coverage parts have been on observe, whereas a few quarter have been in danger or solely partially achieved. The evaluate additionally recognized essential gaps needing pressing consideration, together with the necessity for stronger inter-agency collaboration, higher public consciousness efforts, institution of practical accountability mechanisms, and steady monitoring and analysis techniques. Importantly, contemplating the numerous well being techniques disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mid-term evaluate beneficial extending the coverage’s implementation interval to 2024. This extension supplied a possibility to totally pursue the coverage’s aims earlier than endeavor a complete end-term analysis.
The expiration of the 2017 coverage presents each a problem and a possibility. This Nationwide Medicines Coverage Steering Committee assembly alerts the start of a rigorously structured and inclusive evaluate course of that pulls on classes realized, addresses implementation gaps, and aligns with present world and nationwide well being priorities. WHO’s ongoing assist will assist Ghana construct a resilient medicines coverage framework — one which promotes equitable entry to important medicines and well being applied sciences, strengthens regulatory techniques, and helps the achievement of Common Well being Protection.
By working intently with the Ministry of Well being and different key stakeholders, WHO reaffirms its dedication to supporting Ghana’s journey towards a stronger, more healthy future.
For Further Info or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Nation Workplace
E-mail: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393