Bolgatanga, Sept. 15, GNA - The Better Ghana Management Services Limited (BGMSL), is collaborating with all District Health Directorates to ensure that the Health Promotion Officers/Assistants programme is well coordinated and successful.

The Programme, which would be engaging unemployed graduates of the school of hygiene and other health personnel, is meant to augment the services of Public Health, by promoting preventive health services all over the country.

Mrs Beatrice Amponsah, General Manager of BGMSL, said this at the National launching of the Health Promotion Officers/Assistants Programme (HPA/O) on the theme: "Creating a healthy lifestyle for a better Ghana", held in Bolgatanga on Monday.

The Programme would use public education and outreach as a primary vehicle for targeting illiterate communities to address their specific health needs. It would also produce appropriate educational materials on preventive measures using Basic English language and local languages to ensure an effective communication of programme activities. Mrs Amponsah stated that the ultimate aim was to help build a better Ghana, free from diseases that could complement the efforts made by government and its agencies to reduce the pressure on health institutions and the National Health Insurance programme. She said the BGMSL, on its part would provide technical support for the recruitment of the personnel, facilitate re-training and capacity building of the recruited personnel and also provide the initial capital required for the programme to take-off.

"As part of our mandate, we shall continually support and motivate the Health Promotion Officers/Assistants to perform their assigned duties diligently. They will move everywhere in the communities to educate Community members on HINI, HIV/AIDS, Malaria Control, Diarrhoea, Cholera and dysentery among others", she said.

Other messages on Public Health would include the need for rest, exercise, cleanliness, drinking a lot of water and eating fruits and vegetables.

The BGMSL has acquired 12 new 4X4 Toyota double-cabin Pick-Ups for the Regional Monitoring Team and about 2,500 motor bikes for the personnel yet to be employed, Mrs Amposah said. 15 Sept. 10