DISTRICT HEALTH DIRECTORATE
Emmanuel Yaw Affelkum
Director of District Health Directorate
The District Health Directorate (DHD) play a crucial role in the Ghana Health Service (GHS), providing leadership, supervision, and technical support to the respective district. They are responsible for implementing health policies and programs, managing resources, and ensuring the provision of comprehensive and accessible health services at the district level.
The vision of a District Health Directorate is to be a center of excellence in providing public health services to the population within their district, ensuring they live longer and healthier lives.
FUNCTIONS OF THE DIRECTORATE
- Providing comprehensive and accessible health services:This includes a range of services from primary care to specialized care, ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.
- Prioritizing primary health care:This focuses on preventive care, health promotion, and early intervention to address health issues at the grassroots level.
- Prudent management of resources:Ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively to maximize the impact of health services.
- Alignment with national health policies:Implementing health programs and strategies that are in line with the national health agenda and priorities.
VISION OF THE DIRECTORATE
- Leadership and Management:
- Supervision:
The DHD supervises and provide technical support to health facilities and staff within their districts.
- Policy Implementation:
They champion the implementation of national health policies and programs at the local level.
- Resource Management:
DHD is responsible for managing health resources, including personnel, finances, and infrastructure
- Coordination:They coordinate activities between different health facilities and stakeholders within the district.
- Service Delivery:
- Comprehensive and Accessible Services:
The DHD aims to provide and manage comprehensive and accessible health services to the population.
- Primary Health Care Emphasis:
They prioritize primary health care at the district and sub-district levels.
- Disease Surveillance and Control:The DHD establishes mechanisms for disease surveillance, prevention, and control.
- Promotion of Health:
- Health Promotion:
They promote health, healthy lifestyles, and good health habits among the population.
- Environmental Health:
DHD assists with environmental health initiatives like sanitation and waste management.
- Collaboration:The DHD collaborates with community health workers, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to promote health.
- Other Functions:
- Human Resources:
The DHD is involved in the development and management of health workers through in-service and continuing education.
- Data Management:
The DHD collects, analyze, and utilize health data for planning and decision-making.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
DHD monitors the performance of health facilities and programs and evaluate their effectiveness.
- Public Health:
The DHD plays a role in public health initiatives like disease prevention and control.
- Infrastructure Development:
The DHD assists in the development and maintenance of health infrastructure.
- Community Engagement:The DHD engages with communities to understand their health needs and preferences.