The Global South Arts and Health Week (GSAHW) Ghana Pavilion 2024 took place in Accra from 20th to 26th May with the theme “Health Beyond Medicine.” Over 500 participants engaged in a week-long program focusing on key health areas such as Mental Health, Neuroscience, Public Health, Geriatric Health, Child Health, and more.
Christopher Bailey, the Arts and Health Lead of the World Health Organization and Co-founder of Jameel Arts and Health Lab, emphasized the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases like stroke for overall health and wellbeing. Doris Komla, the Country Festival Director of GSAHW, highlighted the alarming statistics around strokes in Ghana and the lack of access to CT scans for many affected individuals.
The festival featured discussions on critical topics such as autism, climate change, and sexual reproductive health, providing attendees with unique opportunities for education, dialogue, and reflection. Dr. Nana Aba Kwenua Pobee, the Associate Country Festival Director, commended the diverse lineup of events that included workshops, support circles, art therapy sessions, and health screenings.
The success of the event was attributed to the organizing team, volunteers, sponsors, and collaborators who contributed to its impact. The GSAHW Ghana Pavilion 2024 served as a platform to amplify the intersection of arts and health, promoting dialogue and engagement on pressing health issues in the community.
