Health authorities in the Volta Region are turning attention to persistent challenges in service delivery, despite recording impressive gains across several key health indicators.
At the 2025 Annual Regional Health Sector Performance Review Conference in Ho, Regional Director Emmanuel Atsu Dodor acknowledged that while the region continues to rank among the country’s top performers, some critical areas are falling short of expectations.
He pointed to declining immunisation coverage as a major concern, with indicators such as Penta 3 and Measles-Rubella second dose both dropping below national targets. Distribution of insecticide-treated nets to children also saw a sharp decline, raising concerns about malaria prevention efforts.
Additionally, institutional mortality remains above target levels, while issues such as reduced nurse distribution equity, declining functionality of Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, and lower attendance at wellness clinics signal gaps in healthcare access and delivery.
Dr Dodor attributed these setbacks to systemic challenges, including staff shortages, inadequate transport, poor infrastructure, and limited funding for public health programmes.
The conference, however, also highlighted notable successes. Improvements in maternal and neonatal health outcomes, expanded antiretroviral therapy coverage, and stronger emergency service functionality demonstrate the region’s capacity to deliver results when adequately resourced.
Health officials say the focus now is on addressing weak areas through targeted interventions and stakeholder collaboration. Participants at the two-day meeting have been tasked with identifying practical strategies to close performance gaps and sustain progress into 2026.
In a message delivered on his behalf, James Gunu commended the health directorate for its achievements and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems across the region.
The renewed focus signals a shift from celebrating progress to tackling underlying challenges, as authorities work to ensure more balanced and inclusive healthcare outcomes across the Volta Region.
