NCD burden rising as Ghana struggles with prevention, awareness and long-term care – Health Expert

Ghana is grappling with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as highlighted by Dr Efua Commeh, Municipal Director of Health at La Nkwantanang-Madina in the Greater Accra region. The primary challenges include low public awareness, unhealthy lifestyles, and difficulties in managing long-term conditions. Dr Commeh emphasized that unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors contributing to the NCD burden, with hypertension being a significant concern due to undiagnosed cases and late presentation.

Diabetes and cancer also play a substantial role in the country's NCD statistics, with high mortality rates often linked to late diagnosis and limited screening. The long-term nature of NCD treatment poses additional challenges, as patients require lifelong management, which can be financially burdensome and may lead to non-adherence to treatment.

Dr Commeh stressed the importance of healthcare workers communicating effectively with patients to ensure proper understanding and adherence to treatment plans.

Brief written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.