The Agency launched the three-day 3rd Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Summit, bringing together key stakeholders to focus on actionable strategies to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The summit aims to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants committed to UHC, emphasizing the importance of equitable and sustainable approaches.
This event will also showcase innovative solutions that enhance the delivery of comprehensive health services to all, highlighting community-led SBC initiatives that are making a significant impact on healthcare delivery.
The theme of this year’s summit is “Achieving Universal Health Coverage through Evidence-Based Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) Interventions”. This theme highlights the critical role of evidence-based SBC strategies in promoting progress toward universal access to health care.
In her welcome address, Ms. Mabel Asafo, Deputy Director, highlighted the critical role of social and behavioral change (SBC) interventions. He emphasized that these interventions are essential to shaping health behaviors, influencing policies, and ultimately improving health outcomes for communities around the world.
He noted that the summit will focus on evidence-based strategies, sharing cutting-edge research and exploring innovative solutions with the potential to transform health systems. The goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in these efforts.
Ms. Asafo emphasized that the summit offers a unique opportunity to build partnerships, develop actionable plans and commit to meaningful change in our spheres of influence.
In his keynote address, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a symbol of equity and fairness in global health care systems. UHC represents the fundamental principle that every person, regardless of their socioeconomic status, should have access to basic health services without facing financial barriers.
However, achieving UHC requires more than simply expanding access to health care. It requires a holistic approach that addresses both the supply and demand aspects of healthcare delivery. On the supply side, there must be adequate infrastructure, trained staff and basic medical resources. On the demand side, it is vital to ensure that individuals and communities are aware of and motivated to use the services provided to them.
Central to this effort are evidence-based social and behavioral change (SBC) interventions. These interventions play a central role in achieving sustainable health outcomes under UHC. By leveraging data-driven insights, SBC strategies not only inform but also empower individuals and communities to adopt healthier behaviors. This preventive approach can significantly reduce the incidence of preventable diseases such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases.
Achieving UHC is not the responsibility of the health sector alone. It requires concerted and collaborative efforts across a range of sectors, including health care, education, policy making and more. Innovation is key to these efforts—whether through the use of technology to expand the reach of health care services or through community engagement strategies that effectively connect with marginalized populations.
While the journey to UHC is undoubtedly difficult—marked by financial constraints, infrastructural deficiencies, and socio-cultural barriers—it also presents significant opportunities. The global community today has access to an unprecedented array of tools, knowledge and resources that can drive transformative change.
Dr Kuma-Aboagye called on all stakeholders to commit to turning evidence into action. This includes mobilizing resources, scaling up effective interventions, and supporting policies that place a high priority on health care providers and the communities they serve. In this way, we can ensure that UHC is not just an aspirational goal, but a tangible reality for all.
SOURCE: GHS PR UNIT
