The staff of the Ghana Health Service in the Ayensuano District in Eastern Region came together to honor their District Health Director, Mrs. Esther Oku-Afari, for her outstanding leadership and contributions to improving health outcomes during her six-year tenure.
At a retirement ceremony filled with eulogies, gifts, and citations from various zones of the district’s health directorate, Mrs. Oku-Afari was celebrated for her transformative initiatives, which have left an indelible mark on the district’s healthcare system.
Susana Darkoa Blankson, a former staff currently working abroad, commended the retired health director for been a unique team leader and mother for all. She her leadership quality motivated staff at various health facilities in the district to work extra hard to improve quality of healthcare despite the challenges.
In her farewell speech, Mrs. Esther Oku-Afari expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve in a deprived district such as Ayensuano.
“For six years, I’ve had the privilege of serving this district, working alongside each and every one of you. We’ve faced outbreaks, navigated budget constraints, and championed countless initiatives to improve the health and well-being of our communities,” she said.
Reflecting on challenges like the COVID-19 outbreak, she recounted the innovative vaccination strategy her team implemented, crediting their success to collaboration, resilience, and the dedication of the staff of the health directorate.
She proudly outlined key achievements, including:the Away with Anemia in Pregnancy (AWAP) Initiative, which reduced anemia in pregnancy rates from 51% in 2021 to 38.4% in 2022, with expansion grants received in 2023.
Also under the her leadership, the district Won the Best Performing District for TB Detection and Treatment in the Eastern Region in 2023.
Ayensuano was also selected in 2022 as a deprived district, offering staff non-financial benefits such as study leave and early promotions.
The recognition of Ayensuano staff in national and regional awards, including the Best Community Health Nurse (CHPS level) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s Best Nurse, Eastern Region Edition, in 2022 also happened under the leadership of Esther Oku Afari.
“These accomplishments are not just statistics or awards; they represent the countless lives we’ve improved. That, my friends, is the most rewarding aspect of this job,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Oku-Afari acknowledged the challenges faced, from resource constraints to moments of slow progress, but celebrated the unwavering commitment of her team, which she described as the bedrock of their success.
As she steps into retirement, Mrs. Oku-Afari leaves with immense gratitude and confidence in the team she leaves behind. “The future of public health in this district is bright, and I have complete faith in your ability to continue making a positive impact,” she concluded.
She urged the staff to sustain and extend similar support to the new director posted from Afram Plains area to succeed her.
The farewell retirement ceremony was attended by some district health directors, Private health facilities, NGOs in health and other stakeholders.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
