Author: Gloria Addo

The Health Community of West Africa Association has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centre for Plant Medicine Research to advance collaboration in traditional medicine, research, and international academic exchange. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions, with a shared focus on promoting plant medicine research, strengthening evidence-based traditional healthcare practices, and enhancing knowledge exchange across Ghana, West Africa, and global partners, particularly China. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, both parties will undertake joint research initiatives in traditional and plant medicine while facilitating the exchange of researchers, scientists, and academic experts. The…

The Health Community of West Africa Association has joined the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Health Service in the official launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, a flagship initiative spearheaded by the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama. The launch ceremony took place at the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital in the Greater Accra Region and brought together a distinguished gathering of stakeholders. Among them were the Minister of Health, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, the Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, the Country Representative of the World Health Organization, and the President of the…

The Health Community of West Africa Association hosted a memorable farewell ceremony to honour the 14th China Medical Team to Ghana, as the team officially concludes their mission at China-Ghana Friendship Hospital (Lekma Hospital) in Accra marking a significant milestone in international healthcare collaboration. The ceremony which took place on the 25th March, 2026 at Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra brought together distinguished personalities from Ghana’s healthcare industry notably Dr. Gaeten Charles Adangbey, Chief Physiotherapist, of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Yussif Yabuku, Registrar of Traditional Medicine Practice Council, Dr. Anastasia Yirenkyi, Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Dr. Samuel Duncan, President of COA…

Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan are no longer recognised as measles-free following a spike in cases in 2024. Measles is far from being a disease of the past with cases surging across Europe as countries fail to reach vaccination targets. The six countries have re-established endemic measles transmission based on the number of cases in 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday. A country loses its measles-free status if the virus returns and transmission is sustained continuously for more than a year. “Through strengthened surveillance, improved outbreak response, and focused efforts to reach under-vaccinated…

In a significant step toward bolstering healthcare delivery, the 14th Chinese Medical Team to Ghana teamed up with the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital (LEKMA Hospital) to host the first-ever Advanced Training Course in Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive and Cataract Surgery. The event, held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Lekma Hospital, brought together leading medical experts from both nations to exchange knowledge on cutting-edge surgical techniques. Opening Ceremony and Strategic Vision The advanced training session, organized under the leadership of Captain of the Chinese Medical Team Dr. Yang Yongguang and supported by the host, Medical Superintendent of Lekma Hospital Dr. Akua…

The Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Health Community of West Africa(HCOWA) has held a medical symposium in Accra to highlight the importance of integrative medicine in Ghana’s primary healthcare system. Held at the MoH Auditorium, the symposium was on the theme “The Role of Integrative Medicine in Primary Healthcare: The Integration of Traditional Medicine.” It brought together policymakers, health professionals, researchers and traditional medicine practitioners from Ghana and abroad to discuss pathways for strengthening healthcare delivery through collaboration between…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association has held a high-level meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office for Ghana to explore a wide-ranging partnership aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and innovation across West Africa. The meeting, which took place in Accra, on 17th November, 2025, focused on collaboration in artificial intelligence in healthcare, medical equipment and vaccine systems, training and capacity building, and plans to co-host the 2026 China–West Africa Medical Summit and Expo, scheduled for August 2026 in Accra. Both sides also discussed organizing joint policy forums on health financing, disease prevention, pharmaceutical regulation, and…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), in partnership with Tat Kai Wai Hong Pharmaceutical Company, once again served as a hub for knowledge exchange and collaborative learning as it hosted the second edition of the training seminar on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Women’s Health and Gynecology at its headquarters this week. Building upon the foundation laid during the earlier training, this session placed particular focus on Ermiao Pills (Ermiao Wan) — a classical TCM formula derived from Zhu Danxi’s Experiential Therapy, known for its effectiveness in clearing heat, drying dampness, and restoring internal balance, especially…

The National Diabetes Association of Ghana (NDAG) has launched activities to mark World Diabetes Day 2025, urging a coordinated national response to what it describes as a “silent yet ferocious epidemic.” The event, held in Accra, brought together stakeholders, healthcare leaders, and advocates under the global theme, “Diabetes and Wellbeing.” Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, Chairperson for the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa Region and President of NDAG, called for diabetes to be declared a national health priority. She emphasized that while clinical management remains essential, the new theme reflects a broader understanding of wellbeing — encompassing…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Headquarters came alive with collaboration and knowledge exchange as Tat Kai Wai Hong Pharmaceutical Company based in China partnered with HCOWA to host a specialized training seminar on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M) in Women’s Health and Gynecology. The half-day session, held on Friday, October 31, 2025, brought together healthcare professionals, herbal practitioners, and women’s health advocates to deepen understanding of how TCM principles and herbal therapies can support the prevention and treatment of common gynecological conditions affecting women across Africa. Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Women’s Health The seminar opened…