BasicNeeds-Ghana donates GH₵700,000 equipment to 42 health facilities

BasicNeeds-Ghana, a non-governmental organization, has presented medical and counseling equipment valued at GH₵700,000 to 42 health facilities across six regions. The donation is designed to enhance mental health and psychosocial support for pregnant women, adolescent girls, and new mothers, with a specific focus on those affected by HIV/TB and survivors of gender-based violence. The initiative supports 14 district hospitals and 28 sub-district health facilities operating under the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).

The project aims to integrate mental health services directly into maternal healthcare to ensure that psychological well-being is prioritized alongside physical health. Dr. Peter Badimak Yaro, Executive Director of BasicNeeds-Ghana, emphasized that the initiative has already facilitated the training of 1,304 healthcare workers. These professionals are now equipped to screen and manage mental health conditions, a move that has already benefited nearly 18,000 pregnant women and new mothers who have been screened for various psychosocial needs.

Representatives from the Ghana Health Service praised the intervention, noting that the provision of specialized equipment will significantly improve the quality and privacy of counseling spaces within the beneficiary facilities. Despite the success of the project, Dr. Yaro called for increased and sustainable government investment in mental health services. He noted that while non-governmental organizations provide critical support, long-term improvements in the sector require robust national funding to ensure that mental healthcare remains accessible to all vulnerable populations.