Els: MBN360 Health
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched the Faith and Wellness Drive, a nationwide community outreach initiative aimed at bringing National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration, renewal and health insurance education directly to churches, mosques and other faith-based organisations across Ghana.
The initiative, which forms part of the NHIA’s broader strategy to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), seeks to make health insurance services more accessible by reaching people where they live, work and worship while promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging active participation in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“The initiative brings NHIS services directly to where people live and worship.”NHIA
The programme, an initiative of the Marketing and Branding Unit of the Corporate Affairs Directorate, was officially launched at St. John the Baptist Parish in Pedu in the Central Region, where NHIA officials reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to removing barriers to healthcare access through sustained community engagement.
NHIA have increasingly recognised faith-based organisations as influential partners in promoting public health because of their extensive reach, trusted leadership and regular interaction with millions of Ghanaians. The NHIA believes leveraging these platforms will help improve public awareness of the benefits of health insurance while encouraging early healthcare-seeking behaviour and preventive medical care.
Taking Health Insurance Services to Communities
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Director of Marketing and Branding, Angela Asiedu, Esq, described faith-based organisations as indispensable partners in the country’s pursuit of improved healthcare outcomes.
She explained that churches, mosques and other religious institutions occupy a unique position within communities and therefore provide credible platforms for educating citizens on preventive healthcare while encouraging them to maintain active NHIS membership.
“Faith-based organizations are strategic partners in building healthier communities.”Deputy Director of Marketing and Branding, Angela Asiedu, Esq,
She noted that the Faith and Wellness Drive represents a deliberate effort by the Authority to move beyond conventional service delivery by taking registration and educational services directly to communities instead of expecting citizens to visit NHIA offices.
According to her, the initiative reflects the Authority’s commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of location or socioeconomic background, has easier access to health insurance services and the information needed to make informed healthcare decisions.
The programme will see NHIA officials collaborate with churches, mosques and other places of worship nationwide to organise registration exercises, membership renewals and public education sessions focused on preventive healthcare and the importance of continuous NHIS coverage.
Maintaining Active NHIS Membership
Also addressing the gathering, Central Regional Director, Kojo Koi Sekyere Thompson, outlined the numerous benefits available under the National Health Insurance Scheme and encouraged members of the public to renew their membership promptly to avoid interruptions in healthcare access.
He emphasised that maintaining active NHIS membership remains one of the most effective ways for individuals and families to protect themselves against unexpected medical expenses while ensuring timely access to essential healthcare services.
“We encourage members to keep their NHIS membership active to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare,”Mr. Thompson
He observed that although the Scheme has significantly improved healthcare accessibility over the years, continuous public education remains essential to sustaining enrolment and ensuring that beneficiaries fully understand the range of services available under the NHIS.
The Faith and Wellness Drive, he noted, provides an additional opportunity for the Authority to strengthen public confidence in the Scheme while expanding its reach among underserved populations.
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Promoting Preventive Healthcare
The outreach programme also places considerable emphasis on preventive healthcare, an area government has increasingly prioritised as part of broader efforts to reduce the burden of preventable diseases and lower healthcare costs.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy Director of the Claims Processing Centre, Dr. Abena Ekufua Esia-Donkoh, highlighted the introduction of free primary healthcare by the Government and urged members of the public to take full advantage of the intervention.
She encouraged Ghanaians to seek regular medical check-ups rather than waiting until illnesses become severe before visiting health facilities.
“The introduction of free primary healthcare provides an opportunity for citizens to prioritise preventive care through regular medical check-ups and early health screening.” Dr. Abena Ekufua Esia-Donkoh noted.
She explained that preventive healthcare remains one of the most effective strategies for improving health outcomes while reducing the long-term financial burden associated with treating advanced illnesses.
According to her, active NHIS membership, combined with routine medical consultations, will contribute significantly to achieving healthier communities and strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system.
Community Leaders Welcome Initiative
The launch received strong support from community leaders, who described the initiative as timely and responsive to the healthcare needs of ordinary Ghanaians.
The Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Parish, Rev. Fr. Edward Kwabena Nti, commended the NHIA for bringing health insurance education directly to the church, describing the initiative as an important step towards improving public awareness and encouraging greater participation in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He noted that places of worship regularly bring together large sections of the population, making them effective venues for delivering important public education messages on health and wellbeing.
Similarly, Assembly Member for the Pedu Electoral Area, James Arthur, encouraged residents to make full use of the opportunity provided by the outreach programme by registering with the NHIS or renewing expired memberships.
He urged community members to take personal responsibility for their health by ensuring continuous enrolment in the Scheme and participating in preventive healthcare programmes.
Supporting Universal Health Coverage
The Faith and Wellness Drive reflects the National Health Insurance Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve service delivery through innovative community-based approaches that make healthcare more accessible and inclusive.
By partnering with faith-based organisations, the Authority hopes to deepen public understanding of the National Health Insurance Scheme while increasing active membership and promoting healthier lifestyles through preventive healthcare education.
The outreach strategy also aligns with Ghana’s broader commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare services without experiencing financial hardship.
Through sustained collaboration with religious institutions, community leaders and healthcare professionals, the NHIA intends to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level while bringing essential services closer to the people.
As the programme expands nationwide, the Authority expects the Faith and Wellness Drive to improve enrolment, increase membership renewals and reinforce preventive healthcare practices within communities.
The initiative represents another important step in the NHIA’s broader mission of ensuring that health insurance services remain accessible, responsive and centred on the needs of every Ghanaian, while advancing the country’s long-term goal of equitable and universal access to quality healthcare.
