Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic lung diseases and cancers, have become one of the largest burdens to worldwide health care systems. Roughly 41 million people die of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) each year, with the majority of these deaths occurring in developing countries, despite the misconception that they are most common in developed countries. While CNCDs impact people from all walks of life, those living in poverty are disproportionately affected due to the high costs of care and limited health care knowledge, making this not just a health care issue, but a socio-economic one. Lack of adequate care also leads to a higher rate of complications and premature deaths as a result of CNCDs within poorer communities.

CNCDs in Ghana

Chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana have hit epidemic proportions, accounting for nearly half of all deaths, and calls to reduce their growing health and economic burden have become increasingly urgent. The drivers of CNCDs are systemic within society and typically linked to behaviors in adolescence, with unhealthy food environments and limited access to physical health infrastructure being two pillars of the increase.

While there has been an attempt to control the rapid swell of these diseases, the August 2012 policy aimed at reducing cases of CNCDs was largely ineffective. With this policy, Ghana strove to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, and focused on strategies such as primary prevention, clinical care and strengthening the health system. However, there were many interconnected challenges which limited its efficacy. On a national level, poor awareness, inadequate coordination and a lack of funding inhibited the policy’s functioning. There was also limited attention afforded to the management of patients who already have CNCDs. In addition, on a sub-national level, inadequate clarity on translating the policy into action rendered ground-level operationalizing ineffective. What the 2012 CNCD policy made evident was the need for comprehensive structural and strategy development which focused on both preventive and curative care.

Recent Progress in CNCD Policy

Despite this, there have been fruitful strides towards constructing an overarching and effective policy to combat chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health in Ghana, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a stakeholder agreement with more than 50 people from government ministries, regulatory agencies, academia, civil society and United Nations partners to galvanize support for legal reform which promoted healthier diets and physical activity – the two pillars of prevention. This was part of Phase II of the Global Regulatory and Fiscal Capacity Building Programme (Global RECAP), a program seeking to implement measures to reduce the occurrence of NCDs by creating healthier environments.

In addition, Ghana is preparing to roll out the 2025 Global School Health Survey, a nationally representative survey aimed at gathering critical data on the personal health behaviors of school-aged adolescents. To ensure the successful implementation of the survey, a national training program has been held in Kusami for collectors and administrators, equipping them with technical knowledge, ethical guidance and practical tools for survey administration. The questionnaire includes modules on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, alcohol and drug use and the role of familial support, as well as measuring height and weight. Illustrating the importance of this initiative, Dr Pascal Mwin, Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases at the WHO Country Office, emphasized the “critical investment in building a stronger foundation for adolescent health in Ghana,” which will ultimately aid the effectiveness of the policies it will inform.

Looking Ahead

With continued aid from the WHO, there is cause for hope for encompassing and productive legislation to tackle the rising tide of chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana, foster healthier school environments and increase access to adequate health care for those living in poverty.

– Libby Foxwell

Libby is based in Sherborne, Dorset, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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