The theme for the health fair, “Promoting Good Health through Positive Health Behaviours, seeks to strengthen health literacy among the public, increase access to healthcare services, empower individuals and families to access basic essential health services.

The chairperson for the event was Naa Natasung Jafaar Pelpuo, the paramount chief of Biihere Traditional Area. Other stakeholders included the Municipal and District Chief Executives, the Executive Director of (NORSAC), Representatives of all FHI 360 Consortium Partners the Vice Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Municipal and District Directors of Health Service, and the principals of Wa Nursing Training College and College of Education. The health fair was designed to be inclusive and to benefit all members of the community.  Participants included the Wa Traditional authority, Basic high schools, Tertiary institutions in Wa, Persons with disabilities (PWDs), institutions and departments such as the Rural Community Council (RCC), private health service providers, and development stakeholders.

The health fair provided services and education on General Health Screening, Blood Donation, Eye Screening, Dental Care, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH), Family Planning, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH), and Malaria. According to the Regional Director of Health Service, Dr. Damien Punguyire, the goal of the health fair is to generate demand for essential health services and products and to foster measurable behaviour change by providing practical demonstrations, education, and access to a range of health services. Participants received training on how to use Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets, balanced nutrition with locally available foods, and guidance on effective WASH practices, among others.

A good health is the foundation for building a life, a community, and an economy. Dr. Damien Punguyire reemphasized the importance of health, charging each person to take “a moment to reflect on the importance of health in our lives”.  According to him, some people do not address health with the seriousness it needs. “Health-seeking has largely been neglected due to an inadequate understanding of the intricate relationship between good health and the socioeconomic empowerment of individuals and families”, noted Dr. Punguyire. He advised the gathering to take charge of their health, saying “it is important to recognize that health is not just an individual journey; it is a community effort. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.”

Over the years, the Regional Health Administration, with support from USAID FHI 360 ASBC activity, through the consortium partners, has implemented several activities in the Upper West region to empower communities to actively participate in the delivery of health services and to adopt positive, healthy behaviours that enhance their wellbeing. “With support from NORSAC and PRONET North, for example we have been able to build the capacity of 202 CHMCs to draw community action plans to address health issues that promote the health of community members. The GCRNs have also provided important platforms for delivering health promotion messages to the public”, said Dr. Punguyire. According to him, all these activities are geared towards increasing demand for essential health services, especially for women and children in the region.

The regional launch is a significant event aimed at introducing the Good Life Health initiative to the broader region.