Pungu: WaterAid Ghana, an organization dedicated to Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art maternity block and other health infrastructure at the Pungu Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) Compound in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare services for children, mothers, and adolescents in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, this development is part of the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project is executed by a consortium led by Right to Play, in collaboration with WaterAid Ghana, Forum for African Women Educationalists Ghana (FAWE-Ghana), and FHI360. The initiative seeks to integrate WASH and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) with sexual and reproductive health education to benefit adolescents, women, and girls in four districts of the Upper East Region.
The newly commissioned maternity block is equipped with comprehensive WASH systems, including safe and disability-friendly sanitation units, and a reliable water supply with overhead tanks. Additionally, a youth-friendly health center has been established to support adolescent health clubs, providing a safe space for reproductive health education, mentorship, and training in producing reusable sanitary pads to combat period poverty.
The SHARE project, set to conclude in March 2026, targets the Kassena-Nankana and Builsa North Municipalities, as well as the Kassena-Nankana West and Bongo Districts. It has already enhanced healthcare delivery across 87 health facilities in the region. The project's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of consortium partners and community members who have been pivotal in advocating for improved health and WASH services.
During the commissioning ceremony, Mss Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, Country Director of WaterAid Ghana, emphasized the significance of community involvement in sustaining the project's benefits. She highlighted the necessity of learning from community advocacy groups and health staff to ensure the project's impact on infection prevention, service delivery, and the well-being of women, adolescents, and children.
Ms Marjan Van Oosten, CEO of WaterAid Netherlands, underscored the importance of maintenance for the project's sustainability, urging stakeholders to remain committed to preserving the infrastructure for future generations. Dr Edmund Nellic Nyanwura, the Municipal Health Director, noted improvements in service delivery, attributing it to the reliable water supply and enhanced facilities.
Ms Clothilda Anaam, WASH Focal Person for the Pungu CHPS, reported a significant increase in client visits from neighboring communities, reflecting the project's positive ripple effect. Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, praised the SHARE project as a transformative intervention emphasizing dignity, equity, and justice. He called for a robust Facility Management Plan to safeguard the infrastructure.
Pe Dongeo I.N. Kuu-Naa II, the Paramount Chief of the Pungu Traditional Area, expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, remarking on the CHPS compound's attractiveness and its potential to become a preferred choice for expectant mothers in the district.
