In a bid to rejuvenate efforts towards achieving the health and well-being targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ghana has inaugurated the Health and Health-Related Sustainable Development Goals think tank.
This significant launch brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to address the urgent need for renewed focus amidst global challenges such as COVID-19, climate change, rising living costs, and conflicts.
The Think Tank’s creation is a direct response to these global disruptions, which have diverted attention and resources away from the SDGs. With the pandemic still casting long shadows, climate change accelerating environmental crises, and geopolitical conflicts exacerbating economic strains, there is an urgent need to realign priorities and marshal collective efforts towards health and well-being.
Urgent Need for Renewed Focus
Chief of Health and Nutrition at UNICEF, Manuel Dewez, highlighted several significant shifts affecting health outcomes in Ghana. These include the impacts of climate change, environmental pollution, and the epidemiological transition from infectious to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dewez emphasized the necessity for increased investment in the health sector to address these evolving challenges effectively.
“Climate change and pollution are altering the health landscape in Ghana,” Dewez noted. “We must adapt our strategies and increase our investments to tackle the rise of non-communicable diseases alongside ongoing infectious diseases.”
Strategic Goals and Collective Action
The Think Tank’s strategic goals are centered on broadening stakeholder engagement and synergizing efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The initiative will regularly assess progress and address any shortcomings, ensuring that Ghana remains on track to meet its targets.
The event’s theme, “Catalysing Progress: Strengthening Collaborative Approach for Health and Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana,” underscored the importance of collective action and collaboration across sectors.
“The Think Tank aims to develop evidence-based strategies and foster new initiatives tailored to Ghana’s specific context,” stated a representative from the organizing committee. “By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we can create a more unified and effective approach to achieving the SDGs.”
Addressing Broader Health Challenges
One of the core objectives of the Think Tank is to develop comprehensive strategies that address the broader health challenges facing the country. This includes tackling the double burden of disease – where both infectious diseases and NCDs pose significant health risks – and mitigating the health impacts of environmental issues such as air and water pollution.
Furthermore, the Think Tank will play a crucial role in fostering innovation and promoting policies that support sustainable health practices. This involves integrating health considerations into broader development policies, ensuring that initiatives in areas like education, agriculture, and urban planning also contribute to health and well-being outcomes.
A Call for Increased Investment
In his remarks, Manuel Dewez called for increased investment in the health sector, highlighting that adequate funding is essential to address both existing and emerging health threats. This call to action resonates with the broader need for enhanced resource allocation to support the health infrastructure, workforce, and research necessary for sustainable development.
As Ghana continues to navigate the complex landscape of global health challenges, the establishment of the Health and Health-Related Sustainable Development Goals Think Tank represents a significant step forward. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking, the Think Tank aims to ensure that health and well-being remain central to Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.
