SOFPOG WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY MESSAGE

The Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG) is an organization of all Family Physicians and Residents in Ghana, and we are a member of the Worldwide Organization of Family Physicians, WONCA. Family Physician/Family Doctors are trained specialists, who provide comprehensive, continuous, and patient centered health care to undifferentiated patients irrespective of their age, sex, social background. even disease condition etc.
This year is the 10th Anniversary of our organization, SOFPOG and today, 19th May 2024, marks the “World Family Doctor Day (WFDD).
This day is celebrated worldwide every year to recognize the central role and contributions of Family Physicians/ Family Doctors in health care delivery worldwide and in Ghana. We stand to honour and appreciate the tireless efforts of all family doctors and primary care teams in improving healthcare outcomes and creating healthier communities.

This year, we celebrate World Family Doctor Day under the theme ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People‘, This year’s theme highlights the intrinsic connection between the health of our planet and the well-being of our patients, emphasizing the critical role primary healthcare can play in promoting sustainable health practices. The focus is on the urgent need for action against climate change and its impacts on human health.
As the Earth faces unprecedented environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction like Galamsey, the repercussions on human health become increasingly dire. These environmental changes result in rising infectious diseases like diarrhea, non-communicable diseases like cancer, extreme temperature fluctuations, severe weather events, and food insecurity, among other issues.
Family doctors can make a difference by identifying how environmental changes influence health issues, adopting eco-friendly practices in their clinics, and advising patients on protecting their health while caring for the planet. Additionally, by collaborating with others to advocate for essential changes in our way of living, we can collectively drive the action needed to safeguard both human health and the environment. The theme “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” is a call to action for family doctors, healthcare professionals, and communities worldwide to recognize and respond to the health challenges posed by climate change.
On this note, I declare the World Family Doctor Day in Ghana, duly Launched.

God Help and Bless all of us as we pursue steps to a sustainable environment safeguard our health.

Dr (Med) George Bediako Nketiah, President