Ministry of Health building decorated with the colours of rare disease
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the Rare Disease Ghana Initiative (RDGI) illuminated the Ministry of Health (MoH) building on February 28, 2025, to mark Rare Disease Day.
This initiative is part of a global movement to raise awareness about rare diseases and advocate for better healthcare access for affected individuals.
Speaking at the event, RDGI Executive Director Samuel Agyei Wiafe expressed pride in the progress of the movement.
“It has been eight years since we started celebrating Rare Disease Day, and today, we are happy to be here at the center where decisions regarding our health are made,” Wiafe said.
“We are lighting up the ministry in rare disease colors as part of the global ‘Change of Light’ initiative. Around the world, buildings are being illuminated, and Ghana’s participation signifies our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Representing the Ministry of Health, Public Health Specialist Mark Atuahene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusivity in healthcare.
“The Ministry of Health has three key tenets in our national health policy: access, quality, and financial risk protection. The driving force behind our universal health coverage is leaving no one behind, and I can assure you that we are committed to this goal,” Atuahene stated.
For many in the rare disease community, the event was an emotional and hopeful moment. Irene Appiah Adjetey, a patient and mother of a child living with a rare disease, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and advocacy efforts.
“This means a lot to me and the rare disease community. I now see that there is hope, and we pray that as we move forward, more actions will be taken to make a lasting impact,” she said.
Rare Disease Day 2025 brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups, to highlight the urgent need for improved healthcare access, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals living with rare diseases in Ghana.
AM/KA
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