Dr. James K. Aikins, Program Director, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, New Jersey, has observed that even though life expectancy in Ghana has improved, with maternal mortality and some childhood diseases reduced, cancer and lifestyle diseases are on the increase.

Aikins said life expectancy in Ghana has increased from 58 years to 62 years, while maternal mortality has also improved from 630/100,000 live births to 350/100,000 live births, but maintained that for this growth to be sustained, serious challenges in healthcare delivery need to be holistically addressed

Dr. Aikins made this observation when delivering the presidential address at the 11th anniversary conference of Ghana Physicians & Surgeons Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia.

The conference brought together Ghanaian physicians and surgeon in the United States and Canada, during which professionals shared knowledge, and explored means to extending medical assistance to Ghana. Participants also pledged to work on broadening the ability of Doctors of Osteopathy so that they will be able to participate fully in the mission of providing care to the people of Ghana.

Dr. Aikins said in Ghana malaria continues to be the cause of death in children under 5 years with 26 percent increase, while prematurity -12 percent, birth asphyxia -11 percent, and pneumonia -10 percent - all play a role in the causes of death amongst children, which in many cases are preventable.

Against this backdrop, Dr. Aikins said the Foundation has resurrected regional physicians and surgeons groups to work toward improving diversity and enhance recruitment of physicians, surgeons, and allied health workers, with the view to helping Ghana deal with major healthcare delivery challenges, especially in rural communities.

Dr. Aikens, therefore, urged all Ghanaian healthcare professionals to show interest in the Foundation’s programs, “ so that we can all advocate for expanded access to high quality optimal care, and shape public policy on healthcare in Ghana”, adding “the work force shortage in rural areas in Ghana is due to inequitable distribution, so it is in our best interest to extend volunteer services through collaboration with Ghanaian institutions on a regular basis”.

Dr. Joyce Millen (Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Willamette University), said health philanthropy among Ghanaians in the diaspora is a shared responsibility not motivated by the desire to derive personal benefits but to serve humanity.

Dr.Millen said such challenges as inadequate time, transport/receipt of shipments, divergent conceptions of time, professional envy, clashing perspectives of authority, navigating collaborators, winning confidence and trust affect diaspora philanthropy, but it is equally important to overcome them through open communication, inclusiveness, understanding, patience, and advocacy.