The Ministry of Health has launched two national health strategies: the National Genomics Surveillance Strategy for Pathogens of Pandemic Potential (2024–2028) and the National Strategy for the Elimination of Trans-Fatty Acids (TFAs) from Ghana’s Food Supply (2025–2030).

The event was chaired by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, and graced by various health experts and partners, aims at bolstering the country’s healthcare delivery system.

These two new strategies align with the broader National Health Policy (2020) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Roadmap (2020–2030), aiming to make healthcare more resilient and accessible to all.

Alhaji Hafiz Adam emphasised the importance of both strategies in addressing the country’s health challenges.

He noted that while Ghana has long struggled with communicable diseases, there is a growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, often driven by unhealthy diets that include trans-fatty acids.

He emphasised that trans fats have no known health benefits and increase the risk of heart disease and other conditions.

“Over 60 countries have put in place policies to eliminate trans fats, and Ghana is now emerging to join this global effort,” he said.

“This five-year strategy is a response to the World Health Organization’s call for member states to invest in pathogen genomic surveillance.”

Mrs. Emma Ofori Agyemang, Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the essential role of genomic surveillance in combatting pandemics like COVID-19.

She stated that the strategy would strengthen leadership and coordination for genomic surveillance in Ghana, adding, “Genomic surveillance played a key role in our national response against COVID-19.

“It helped scientists understand the origins and transmission patterns of the virus, which was critical for decision-making.”

The National Genomics Surveillance Strategy, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including academia and development partners, provides a roadmap for improving the country’s preparedness against future pandemics.

Its five strategic objectives include enhancing access to infrastructure, improving data management, and strengthening governance in pathogen genomic surveillance.

The second strategy, aimed at eliminating TFAs from the country’s food supply, is expected to greatly reduce the risk of heart diseases, which are a leading cause of death in Ghana.

The strategy, developed with support from partners like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Institute for Leadership and Development (INSLA), sets out three key objectives: reducing the public health impact of TFAs, ensuring sustainable financing for elimination efforts, and strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, remain the leading cause of mortality globally, with unhealthy diets, particularly the consumption of trans fats, being a major contributor.

Both strategies are expected to contribute significantly to achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

AM/KA

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