The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) has taken a significant step in bridging the language gap by incorporating Twi, the most widely spoken Ghanaian language, into its pregnancy immunization awareness campaign.
A Ghanaian living in the UK recently chanced upon an NHS leaflet, written in Twi, aimed at educating Ghanaian expectant mothers on the importance of immunization during pregnancy.
The leaflet, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), highlights the benefits of vaccination in protecting both mothers and their unborn children from preventable diseases. The Twi section of the notice provides vital information on immunizations against influenza (flu), whooping cough (pertussis), and German measles (rubella).
This initiative reflects an effort by the UK’s health system to ensure inclusivity in healthcare communication, especially for non-English-speaking communities. Ghanaian immigrants form a significant part of the African diaspora in the UK, and many continue to use Twi as their primary or preferred language. By using Twi in healthcare materials, the NHS acknowledges the cultural and linguistic needs of this community, making essential health information more accessible.
The move has been met with widespread appreciation, particularly among Ghanaian residents in the UK, who see it as a recognition of their identity and a means to improve healthcare access. Many believe that language barriers often deter non-native speakers from seeking proper medical care, and initiatives like this help eliminate such obstacles.
Healthcare professionals also commend this approach, noting that effective communication in a patient’s native language enhances understanding and compliance with medical advice. As a result, more pregnant women in the Ghanaian community may feel encouraged to take the recommended vaccines, ensuring better health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
The use of Twi in NHS health notices sets a precedent for broader linguistic inclusion in the UK’s healthcare system. It also highlights the growing importance of cultural awareness in public health initiatives. Moving forward, many hope to see more Ghanaian languages and other African dialects incorporated into similar campaigns to serve a diverse population effectively.
This move by the NHS is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for Ghanaian health authorities to embrace Ghanaian languages in public health campaigns.
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah
I can’t speak Twi very well so is good
Alright. If you want to learn Twi or any Ghanaian language, don’t hesitate to reach out