The Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital (Gafcceh) has launched the 2026 World Kidney Day commemoration to raise awareness of kidney health and strengthen efforts toward early detection and prevention.
The launch, held at Burma Hall on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, brought together health policymakers, the Military High Command, development partners, and members of the public to advance discussions on kidney health. The event also highlighted the importance of screening, prevention, and public education as part of global efforts marking twenty years of World Kidney Day.
The Minister for Health and Guest of Honour for the occasion, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasised that prioritising kidney health remains critical to Ghana’s broader strategy for preventing and managing non-communicable diseases. He therefore stressed the need to expand access to screening services and encourage regular medical check-ups to facilitate early detection and timely treatment.
He further noted that the government remains committed to improving access to healthcare through initiatives such as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), which supports the treatment of non-communicable diseases. According to him, addressing kidney disease requires the collective involvement of stakeholders, including the private sector and health institutions, to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare across the country.
Following this, the Deputy Minister for Defence, Honourable Ernest Brogya Genfi, noted that the strength of the Armed Forces depends largely on the health and resilience of its personnel, whom he described as a vital national asset. He noted that maintaining a healthy force through early detection of diseases such as kidney failure remains essential, while reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure within the Armed Forces and across the country.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the 37 Military Hospital, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, stressed that kidney disease should be viewed not only as a medical concern but also as an issue that can affect operational readiness. He encouraged regular health screening among troops and their families and urged medical personnel to intensify public education on kidney health. He also commended the 37 Military Hospital and its Critical Care Unit for their dedication to providing specialised care to patients.
