Program Regions
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 Ghana
BACKGROUND
The population of Ghana is currently 18.8 million with an estimated doubling time of 24 years. The Ghana 1998 DHS findings show a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 13%, which is lower than expected given the significant decline in total fertility rate (TFR) over the past 10 years. The current HIV prevalence of 3% is lower than many African countries, though multiple partners, high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other co-factors predict the possibility of a rapidly spreading epidemic if prevention efforts are not sustained and intensified. While significant, incremental strides have also been made in improving child health, childhood morbidity and mortality from preventable and treatable diseases remains high, notably malaria. In part, the overall health situation may be attributed to a lack of access to accurate family planning, HIV/AIDS and child health information and services throughout the country, particularly in rural areas. Socio-cultural issues, including perceived lack of social support and gender norms, often discourage FP, safer sex, and health-seeking behaviors.
Since 1986, PCS has been a partner to national and district-level reproductive health (RH), HIV/AIDS, and child survival programs in every region of the country. Building on this history, the Health Communication Partnership will respond to the following USAID/Ghana Intermediate Results:
- IR 3.1: Increased use of reproductive health services
- IR 3.2: Increased use of selected child survival services
- IR 3.4: Increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods
CURRENT STATUS
In the past few years, HCP Ghana has seen major accomplishments across all programmatic areas. The community mobilization and participatory approaches of CHPS have led to measurable improvements in service delivery and utilization at the community level. The national broadcast of 10 family planning radio spots and five TV spots addressing choice of methods at all stages of the reproductive life cycles led to an increase in Norplant and oral contraceptive use. The national broadcast of HIV and AIDS testimonial, informational, traditional and religious leader spots have led to a dramatic increase in condom sales. Award-winning songs, and radio and television dramas (such as He Ha Ho and Things We Do for Love) produced by HCP have become a part of Ghana's pop culture. The US Ambassador and USAID Director helped HCP to successfully launch the Sara intervention in April 2003. Finally, HCP Ghana has built local communication capacity with numerous training workshops and by providing quality technical assistance and materials to its local government and non-government partners.
INNOVATIONS IN BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION
The "Community-Based Health Planning and Services" program planned as part of Health Communication Partnership activities in Ghana is exploring ways to bring participatory methodologies to scale. Likewise, the malaria initiative is one of the few programs in Africa to apply strategic communication principles to a national home-based care strategy. The Stop AIDS, Love Life program is one of the world's first national campaigns to focus on stigma and discrimination and involve faith-based organizations as partners from beginning to end. Also, the "Sara Initiative" focuses on building self-efficacy among girls for HIV prevention and family planning. The "Life Choices" family planning promotion utilizes a lifestyle approach and works through existing networks of women's community groups.
Contact: Ian Tweedie, itweedie@jhuccp.org
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