DDHS and district profiles

Work Profile

Ms. Esther Larbi Oku – Afari began her journey in the healthcare sector in April 1988 when she was employed as a State Registered Nurse. Her dedication to advancing her career led her to further her studies, becoming a State Registered Midwife in 1990 and later a State Registered Public Health Nurse in 1997. Driven by her passion for education, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, in 2011. Her pursuit of knowledge continued, and in 2014, she obtained a Master’s in Public Health from the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon. Over her 36-year career, she has served in various roles including nurse, midwife, public health nurse, and now District Director of Health Service. In her current role, she has made significant contributions to healthcare delivery and public health initiatives in her district.

Mrs. Esther Larbi Oku – Afari

DDHS- Ayensuano District

Education

  • Master of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon (2014)

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Ghana, Legon (2011)

  • State Registered Public Health Nurse (1997)

  • State Registered Midwife (1990)

  • State Registered Nurse (1988)

Career History

  • District Director of Health Service, Central Gonja (Jan 2023 – Present)

  • State Registered Nurse (April 1988 – Present)

  • State Registered Midwife (1990 – Present)

  • State Registered Public Health Nurse (1997 – Present)

Professional Experience

  • Collaborated with the District Assembly, community leaders, and stakeholders in building and handing over seven (7) CHPS compounds to the Ghana Health Service (2020-2023).

  • Spearheaded the implementation and rollout of the Away with Anemia in Pregnancy (AWAP) initiative, reducing anemia in pregnancy from 51.0% in 2021 to 38.4% by the end of 2022.

  • Hosted the Ghana Health Service Council for the first time in the district (2022).

  • Secured the district’s selection as part of deprived districts in the Eastern Region, providing non-financial benefits such as study leave and early promotion for health staff.

  • Achieved a ranking of 5th position in District rankings in the Eastern Region in 2022 and maintained a top ten ranking for the past three years.

  • Awarded for Outstanding Leadership in the Eastern Region (2022).

  • The district received an award for best-performing district in the Eastern Region for TB detection and treatment (2023).