2017 ICT4D Conference

Ghana has experienced significant gains in the health status of its population since independence. However, health outcomes in the following areas have not reached expected levels according to SDGs and other national targets: maternal deaths, stillbirths, child nutrition status, malaria infection and death, HIV infection.

Some of the reasons for these persistent health problems are related to health systems such as Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), governance in the health sector, and low investment in health, WASH and nutrition sectors. At the same time, civil society is not able to participate effectively in health planning and monitoring, especially at the community, district and regional levels. Missing civil society voices have created a situation in which there are misplaced priorities, inaccurate targeting, and discrimination against Key Populations (KP) and vulnerable groups. A number of factors both on the demand and supply side have contributed to poor health care and outcomes.

The paper explores how Enhanced Social Accountability combines with Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) framework mashed up with innovative technological approaches to increase citizens’ voices to demand for and champion improved access to and quality of health services. It will highlight key lessons learnt from initial stages of USAID People For Health (P4H) projecurrently being implemented in selected districts in Ghana. The paper will concrete examples of how online platform can support citizens’ reporting of experiences on service delivery, corruption, and compliance. In addition to online platform, the project relies on SMS, voice, and social media tools to enable citizens to report and provide feedback on health service delivery. Furthermore the project provides digital tools that enable CSO and citizens to track and input into FP/RPH, MCH, malaria, HIV, WASH and nutrition policies, programs/services, and institutions budgets process at all levels.