The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and government have inaugurated four Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in the Mion District and Yendi Municipality to bring health care services to the people.

The facilities, built under the USAID Systems for Health project, are located at Warivi, Tinsung, Kunkon and Nkwanta communities.

Mr Robert Jackson, United States Ambassador to Ghana, who spoke at Warivi and Kunkon communities to inaugurate the fully-equipped facilities, underscored the importance of CHPS compounds saying they ensured quality health services for all.

Mr Jackson said “the CHPS approach brings health services closer to your households and allows you to make the most productive use of your time. You will no longer have to travel long distances to seek health care. Pregnant women in your communities will no longer have to take long, bumpy rides on a motor-king (tricycle) to the district hospital.”

The CHPS model brings health care directly to local communities in remote areas by increasing access to and use of health services at the community level to promote universal health coverage.

- Ambassador Jackson (in smock) assisted by Health Minister, Northern Regional Minister to cut ribbon to inaugurate CHPS compound at Warivi

The inauguration of the four CHPS compounds in the Northern Region brings to eight the number of CHPS compounds completed in the Northern and Volta Regions under the USAID Systems for Health project whiles 18 more are expected to be completed by December, this year.

Mr Jackson reminded the community members that “the success of CHPS is rooted in community ownership and self-reliance” urging them to be actively involved in the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities to ensure success.

Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Minister for Health, said CHPS has come to stay to help achieve universal health coverage in the country and expressed gratitude to the Government of the United States for working closely with the government to provide health care to the people.

Mr Salifu Saeed, Northern Regional Minister, said efforts would be made to provide accommodation for the staff of the CHPS compounds to stay in the communities to deliver quality healthcare to the people.

Mba Mion Lana Ziblim thanked the government and USAID for their efforts to deliver quality healthcare to the people.