On Nov. 12-13, 2024, Ensign Global University took a significant step in strengthening community-based healthcare in Ghana by hosting the first Health 2 Go (H2Go) Summit in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ghana Health Service (GHS). The summit formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing healthcare for underserved communities through the H2Go initiative.

The event brought together over 40 key stakeholders, including government officials, regional health directors, and H2Go staff, to discuss Ghana's healthcare challenges and strategies for scaling the H2Go model. The summit reinforced the importance of collaboration in supporting Ghana’s Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) model and Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) framework. These efforts align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), particularly in reducing child mortality (SDG 3.2) and achieving universal healthcare (SDG 3.8) by 2030.

The summit also underscored the transformative potential of H2Go and the Networks of Practice (NoP) model in improving health outcomes across Ghana. The Networks of Practice (NoP) initiative, led by GHS, focuses on improving coordination and resource-sharing among healthcare providers to expand access to essential health services.

Health 2 Go: Expanding Access to Healthcare

Health 2 Go was initiated jointly by Ensign Global University, Cast a Pebble Foundation, and its partners to bring high-quality healthcare directly into communities, ensuring access for populations in remote areas. For the past eight years, H2Go has been successfully piloted in the Kpong sub-district of the Lower Manya Krobo District and for over six years in the Barekese Sub-district of the Atwima Nwabiagya North District. These initiatives have led to a 65% reduction in under-five childhood mortality rates in these hard-to-reach communities.
Mr. Rick Haskins, founder and director of Cast a Pebble Foundation, says, “This summit represents ten years of work on the Health 2 Go project. I can’t express my gratitude enough for our partners: Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, and Ensign Global University. I am so proud to be part of this project and look forward to what lies in store for the next five years with the MOU.”

Empowering Community-Based Healthcare Agents

Ensign Global University President, Professor Stephen Alder, emphasized that Health 2 Go empowers Community-Based Agents (CBAs) and health workers to visit homes, provide general health education, and support families in adopting healthier practices. CBAs also play a crucial role in treating children under five for common, manageable illnesses while connecting communities to the broader healthcare system. “Health 2 Go relieves pressure on the health system,” Professor Alder noted. “By managing cases like malaria at the community level, we enable district, regional, and national health facilities to focus on more complex cases.”

Scaling Up for Greater Impact

To date, Health 2 Go has invested over $100 million into healthcare initiatives in Ghana, supporting mothers, children, and families.

“We are pleased to hear from our partners that the Health 2 Go approach is effective and scalable. Our goal is to expand this model to even the most hard-to-reach communities to ensure essential health services reach those who need them most,” Professor Alder concluded.

Through continued collaboration and investment, Ensign Global University and its partners remain committed to transforming healthcare access and improving lives across Ghana.