Posts in category: Event & News

This summit represents an important place for the healthcare sector in West Africa, and I am honored to be here today to share this moment with you.

The theme of this summit, ” Moving in advance, Lay out a new track for the medical and health industry in West Africa,” highlights the critical role that innovation and investment play in improving healthcare outcomes in West Africa. The region faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and limited access to medical services. However, we have the opportunity to leverage innovation and investment to overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for healthcare in West Africa.

Over the next few days, we will have the privilege of hearing from some of the most respected and experienced professionals in the industry. We will explore new technologies, discuss the challenges facing the healthcare sector, and identify new opportunities for investment and growth. We will also have the opportunity to network and develop new partnerships, as we work together towards a common goal of improving healthcare in West Africa.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the sponsors, exhibitors, and participants who have made this event possible. Your contributions are vital to the success of this summit, and we are honored to have you here with us.

In closing, I urge you all to take advantage of this opportunity to learn, share knowledge, and collaborate towards a better future for healthcare in West Africa. Together, we can make a difference and create a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and of high quality for the people of West Africa.

Thank you.

Technical Advisor, Ministry of Trade and Industry

Dr. John Hawkins-Asiedu

Mr. Xu Xiangping, The Chinese commercial counselor of CAETP with Hcowa Association together, led a distinguished delegation of Chinese stakeholders and healthcare experts on a significant courtesy visit to key Ghanaian ministries. The purpose of the visit was to discuss potential collaborations and investment opportunities in the healthcare sector.

At the Ministry of Health, the delegation was warmly received by Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, the Minister of Health. The meeting was marked by a spirited exchange of ideas on how to advance healthcare development through cooperative partnerships and strategic investments. Dr. Okoe-Boye expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative and assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to promoting and enhancing healthcare in Ghana.

Subsequently, the delegation visited the Ministry of Trade and Industry, where Dr. John Hawkins-Asiedu, the Minister of Trade and Industry, welcomed them with equal enthusiasm. The discussions highlighted the promising prospects for healthcare development and the significant benefits that Ghana could gain from the Health Community of West Africa’s initiatives.

The visit solidified the long-term partnership between HCOWA and the Ghanaian government, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey toward a more advanced healthcare sector.

Both meetings underscored a shared vision for a brighter future, characterized by innovative healthcare solutions and fruitful international cooperation. The courtesy calls were a testament to the strong commitment of both HCOWA and the Ghanaian ministries to drive progress and achieve mutual goals in healthcare development.

We stand united with a shared purpose: to advance the healthcare sector of the West African sub-region. It is with immense pride that I commend the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) for their unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in our region.

My experience with HCOWA over the past year has shown me an organization determined to reshape the narrative of healthcare, and today, we gather to witness the fruits of that determination.

The healthcare sector in the West African sub-region, including Ghana, is in dire need of progress. Recognizing this, the Central Regional Coordinating Council has partnered with HCOWA to spearhead the development of our healthcare system. HCOWA’s mission to upgrade hospitals, clinics, and support medical professionals is both visionary and promising.

The goal of developing 10 hospitals, upgrading 50 clinics, and enhancing the skills of our medical doctors is a testament to the trust we have placed in HCOWA to reshape the healthcare landscape. At the Central Regional Coordinating Council, we are fully aware of the importance of developing the Central Region into a hub of healthcare excellence. With HCOWA’s support, I am confident that following this expo, our region’s hospitals will undergo significant upgrades, driving not just improvements in healthcare but also fostering economic benefits such as job creation and advanced skills acquisition.

Furthermore, I am pleased to learn that HCOWA is committed to providing advanced technical expertise to ensure that our medical equipment and devices remain in optimal condition. We are deeply grateful for this initiative and hope that HCOWA will continue to lead the charge in this effort.

The health industry, as HCOWA has rightly indicated, is a critical step in this direction. By developing more factories and production facilities within our region, we will not only meet our domestic health needs but also generate significant foreign earnings by exporting to other parts of West Africa and beyond.

The Central Region, with its strategic location and resources, is poised to become a hub for medical manufacturing. We must harness this potential to create a thriving ecosystem that supports the production of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and health technologies. This will not only strengthen our health sector but also drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce our trade deficit.

Investing in industrial parks and manufacturing capabilities is not just about economic gains; it is about ensuring that we have the capacity to meet the healthcare needs of our people. It is about building resilience into our health system so that we are better prepared for future challenges. It is about laying the groundwork for a new era in healthcare, where West Africa is not just a consumer but a producer of world-class medical products.

The Central Regional Coordinating Council is committed to partnering with HCOWA and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality. We envision a future where the Central Region is recognized as a center of excellence for healthcare manufacturing, where our factories produce the tools and technologies that save lives, and where our people are empowered with the skills and opportunities to thrive in this burgeoning industry.

But this vision will only become a reality if we commit ourselves to the necessary investments. We must attract both local and foreign investors who share our vision and are willing to invest in the infrastructure, technology, and human capital needed to transform our health sector. We must also create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, supports entrepreneurship, and incentivizes the development of new health technologies.

In conclusion, as we move forward with the Investment Summit and Policy Park Introduction, let us remember that the decisions we make today will shape the future of healthcare in West Africa. Let us commit to investing in our health sector, not just for the economic benefits but for the health and well-being of our people. Let us work together to lay out a new track for the medical and health industry in West Africa—one that is built on the foundation of innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable growth.

Thank you.

Read by Mr. Serene Akpanya on behalf of the Central Regional Minister

On August 27, 2024, as part of their visit to Ghana, the Chinese delegation led by Anna Jiang made a significant stop at the University of Cape Coast. This visit was particularly meaningful given the university’s close ties with the event’s Charity Ambassador, Professor Ou Yamei, the Chinese Director at the Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast.

The purpose of this courtesy call was to explore and solidify potential partnerships in the realm of academic exchange and medical technical training. HCOWA, with its focus on advancing healthcare through collaborative efforts, recognizes the crucial role that educational institutions play in equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals. The University of Cape Coast, renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to fostering global partnerships, was an ideal venue for this dialogue.

During the visit, Anna Jiang and her team engaged with university officials, including key members of the Confucius Institute, to discuss opportunities for academic collaboration. The discussions centered on initiatives such as:

The visit to the University of Cape Coast not only underscored HCOWA’s commitment to fostering academic and technical excellence but also highlighted the strong ties between Ghana and China in the field of education. The partnership with the University of Cape Coast, facilitated by Professor Ou Yamei, is expected to bring substantial benefits to both institutions, enhancing their ability to contribute to the healthcare sector in West Africa.

The courtesy call was a step toward cementing a collaborative relationship that will support HCOWA’s goals of advancing medical education and training, ultimately contributing to the overall development of the healthcare industry in the region.

GOOETO, a leading brand in Chinese Traditional Medicines, established its Internet Hospital in 2014 to leverage technology in enhancing Chinese medicine. Through its innovative “Internet + Chinese medicine” model, GOOETO has redefined modern Chinese medicine, offering services that span the entire healthcare ecosystem, from medicine and nutrition to health and wellness.

 With over 10 million patients using its platform for remote diagnosis, GOOETO combines the traditional practices of “look, smell, ask, and cut” with modern health management, creating an accessible approach to Chinese medicine.

GOOETO adheres to strict standards, ensuring that the quality of its raw materials meets or exceeds national and provincial guidelines. Following three principles—honesty, safety, and effectiveness—it prioritizes high-quality ingredients and ethical production methods to deliver reliable products. GOOETO’s product range includes various herbal pastes and solid drinks tailored to different health needs.

Some popular products include Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Ostrae Concha Paste, which contains herbs like jujube and longan and is ideal for individuals with insomnia and restlessness. Mulberry Chrysanthemi Flos Wolfberry Paste combines mulberry and chrysanthemum, addressing liver Yin deficiency symptoms like dry eyes and dizziness.

For women, Persicae Semen-Citri Fructus-Angelicae Dahuricae Radix Paste supports menstrual health, using ingredients like angelica root and peach seeds to relieve blood stasis and dysmenorrhea.

GOOETO also offers Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma-Polygonati Rhizoma Paste, suitable for liver Yin deficiency, as well as Asini Corii Colla-Poria-Lycii Fructus Paste, which boosts qi and blood levels, combating fatigue and symptoms of deficiency. For digestive health, Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Hordei Fructus Germinatus Paste is formulated to improve spleen and stomach function.

Additionally, GOOETO’s Nine Flavor Refreshing Tea and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Sophorae Flos-Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma-Mori Folium Dark Tea Solid Beverage provide herbal support for various needs. The former targets symptoms like vaginal discomfort, while the latter benefits individuals with hypertension, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol.

Every product is easy to consume, with pastes and teas conveniently packaged for dissolving in warm water. Through these offerings, GOOETO merges traditional Chinese medicine with modern digital solutions, providing holistic healthcare products that prioritize both heritage and innovation.

PLEASE USE THE CHINES MEDECINE PPT TO EXTRACT THE PICTURES FOR THE DESING

As part of the 3-day conference and summit, HOCWA Ghana has entered partnerships through the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with approximately 25 hospitals and clinics, a significant step toward enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Ghana and the West African sub-region.

This landmark agreement took place on August 28, 2024, with the lead signatory being Madam Anna Jiang, CEO of HCOWA Ghana.

The MoUs were signed under the theme “Seizing the Opportunity to Rapidly Upgrade Hospitals, Clinics, and Doctors in West Africa.” The agreements outline clear objectives and commitments from both parties, setting the stage for collaborative efforts to modernize healthcare facilities across the region.

The institutions that have entered into partnership with HCOWA include notable names such as Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, County Hospitals, Jeslord Clinic, FFA Faith Hospital, Amiah Hospital, the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana, ACH Medical Centre, and Achimota Hospital, among others.

These partnerships aim to drive the upgrade of medical facilities, improve service delivery, and ensure that healthcare providers in the region have access to the latest technologies and best practices.

Anna Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of HCOWA, expressed her optimism about the potential impact of these partnerships. She believes that this collaboration will significantly advance the quality of healthcare services in the region, aligning with HCOWA’s mission to enhance medical standards and infrastructure.

HCOWA extends an invitation to other hospitals and clinics that have not yet joined this initiative to consider partnering with them. By doing so, these institutions can benefit from the comprehensive upgrade programs and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery in West Africa.

As part of the 2024 HCOWA Medical Summit and Expo, a Doctor’s Forum was convened, bringing together nine top medical doctors and practitioners from China and four from Ghana.

The forum provided a platform for these professionals to share knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions on a wide range of topics and thematic areas crucial to the healthcare sector.

The forum featured a series of insightful presentations aimed at addressing critical healthcare issues and proposing sustainable solutions. The participants demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting regional healthcare development in the West African sub-region.

The Chinese delegation included distinguished professionals such as Dr. Zhou Yonggang, Dr. Chen Xialou, Dr. Jia Jin, Dr. Qiu Li, Dr. Wang Qiao, Dr. Zhang Yan, Dr. He Xiaochun, and Dr. Gao Yan. Representing Ghana were esteemed practitioners Dr. Daniel Ako Charway, Dr. Edward Antwi, Dr. Abraham Frimpong Addo, and Dr. Kojo Oduro Koranteng.

Some of the key topics presented at the forum included “Holistic Approaches to Diagnosing and Managing ADHD in Children: Innovations and Effective Strategies,” “Combatting Tuberculosis: Prevention, Treatment, and Awareness,” “The Vital Role of Medical Education in Safeguarding Maternal Health: Bridging the Gap from Comprehensive Training to Effective Practice,” and “Comprehensive Approaches to Diagnosing and Treating Bronchiectasis in Children: Latest Advances and Best Practices.”

Objectives and Achievements of the Doctor’s Forum

The Doctor’s Forum sought to achieve several key objectives. Primarily, it aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Chinese and Ghanaian healthcare professionals, with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare outcomes in the sub-region. The forum served as a crucial platform for discussing innovative approaches to healthcare challenges and exploring strategies for implementing these solutions across West Africa.

A significant highlight of the forum was the announcement of upcoming academic exchange programs initiated by HCOWA. These programs are designed to bring Chinese and Ghanaian doctors together to engage in academic exchanges, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices.

The exchange programs will focus on training healthcare professionals with advanced technological know-how, equipping them to address the evolving challenges in the healthcare sector effectively. This initiative underscores the commitment to building a healthcare system that is not only robust but also globally competitive.

The forum also played a vital role in promoting networking opportunities among the participants. By fostering connections between Chinese and Ghanaian medical professionals, the event helped to build a formidable healthcare sector where knowledge and experience can be shared, and collaborative efforts can be strengthened. This networking is crucial for understanding each other’s healthcare systems, creating a foundation for future cooperation, and ultimately contributing to the growth of the healthcare industry in both nations and beyond.

The Chinese Doctors were awarded for their insightful contributions to the development of the West African sub-region.

In conclusion, the Doctor’s Forum at the 2024 HCOWA Medical Summit and Expo was a pivotal event that advanced the agenda of regional healthcare development through collaboration, academic exchange, and the promotion of best practices. The discussions and initiatives that emerged from the forum are expected to have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in West Africa, setting the stage for a stronger, more resilient healthcare sector.

In a significant step toward enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Ghana and the West African sub-region, the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with approximately 25 hospitals and clinics.

This landmark agreement took place on August 28, 2024, as part of the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo, held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.

The MoUs were signed under the theme “Seizing the Opportunity to Rapidly Upgrade Hospitals, Clinics, and Doctors in West Africa.” The agreements outline clear objectives and commitments from both parties, setting the stage for collaborative efforts to modernize healthcare facilities across the region.

The institutions that have entered into partnership with HCOWA include notable names such as Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, County Hospitals, Jeslord Clinic, FFA Faith Hospital, Amiah Hospital, the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana, ACH Medical Centre, Achimota Hospital, among others.

These partnerships aim to drive the upgrade of medical facilities, improve service delivery, and ensure that healthcare providers in the region have access to the latest technologies and best practices.

Anna Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of HCOWA, expressed her optimism about the potential impact of these partnerships. She believes that this collaboration will significantly advance the quality of healthcare services in the region, aligning with HCOWA’s mission to enhance medical standards and infrastructure.

HCOWA extends an invitation to other hospitals and clinics that have not yet joined this initiative to consider partnering with them. By doing so, these institutions can benefit from the comprehensive upgrade programs and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery in West Africa.

 The Tang Palace Hotel in Accra hosted a vibrant inaugural dinner on the evening of August 24th, 2024, to welcome an esteemed assembly of guests, medical doctors, practitioners, and exhibitors for the much-anticipated 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo.

The event, which symbolized the enduring collaboration between the Ghanaian and Chinese communities, featured a rich tapestry of cultural performances.

Guests were treated to traditional Ghanaian dances, including the energetic kete and bata dances, showcasing the vibrant heritage and warmth of Ghanaian culture.

Apostle Kingsley Addai from the Pentecost International Worship Centre, who also serves as the Chaplain of the Health Community of West Africa, set the tone for the evening with a heartfelt opening prayer, invoking blessings for the successful conduct of the summit and expo.

Madam Anna Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Community of West Africa, delivered a warm welcome to the dignitaries from China. She expressed her optimism about the summit, highlighting its potential to foster significant and enduring partnerships between China and Africa in the healthcare sector.

Mr. Tang Hong, Chairman of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies and Chief Executive Officer of Tang Palace Hotel, shared his excitement about the gathering.

He lauded the collaborative spirit of the event and emphasized the transformative impact it could have on the healthcare landscape of the West African sub-region.

The evening was filled with joy and anticipation, as guests, many of whom were visiting Ghana for the first time, expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming three-day event.

They were keenly aware of the opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare and were eager to make the most of their participation.

The inaugural dinner set a celebratory and hopeful tone for the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo, underscoring the spirit of cooperation and mutual advancement between the two regions.

On August 27-28, 2024, the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo hosted an Enterprise Presentation Show where 25 companies, including 22 leading Chinese factories and three prominent Ghanaian companies, showcased their products and services to a global audience.

The event, held both in-person and streamed live, provided a platform for these companies to highlight their contributions to advancing healthcare in the West African sub-region.

The presentations aimed to demonstrate how each company’s innovations and solutions are tailored to meet the unique healthcare needs of West Africa. The wide range of products and services presented included advanced medical equipment, cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, biotechnology solutions, and health data management tools.

Among the exhibitors were notable companies such as AILEX (Hunan) Medical Equipment Company Ltd, Zhongshan Tsingair Technology Co. Ltd, Hangzhou Medconn Diagnostics Technology Co., Ltd, Wellgrow Biotechnology Ltd, Chengdu UESTC Goldisc Health Data Technology, Fitone Group, and many others. These companies showcased their latest innovations, which participants praised for their potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the region.

The Ghanaian companies participating in the presentation were particularly commended for their efforts to align with the technological advancements and industry standards set by their Chinese counterparts. The synergy between Chinese and Ghanaian companies was evident, with both sides expressing keen interest in deepening their collaboration.

Participants at the event were enthusiastic about the innovations presented, recognizing the potential impact on healthcare efficiency and accessibility in West Africa.

The exhibitors, in turn, voiced their eagerness to penetrate the Ghanaian market and explore opportunities to establish manufacturing facilities in Ghana and other West African nations. This, they believe, will not only enhance healthcare delivery in the region but also contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and fostering technological transfer.

The Enterprise Presentation Show was a clear demonstration of the HCOWA Summit’s commitment to fostering partnerships that promote efficient healthcare solutions and drive sustainable development across the West African sub-region.