As Ghana faces a rising tide of noncommunicable ailments (NCDs), the necessity for early prevention and evidence-based interventions has by no means been extra pressing. Lately, circumstances comparable to diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and a few cancers have been on the rise — many linked to unhealthy behaviours that start in childhood and adolescence. Poor dietary habits, bodily inactivity, tobacco use, and dangerous use of alcohol amongst kids and adolescents are contributing to this rising burden of illness, threatening the long-term wellbeing of the nation’s youth.
In response to this rising problem, Ghana is getting ready to roll out the 2025 International College Well being Survey (GSHS) — a nationally consultant initiative designed to assemble crucial information on the well being behaviours and protecting elements amongst school-going adolescents. The survey, collectively led by the Ministry of Training, Ministry of Well being, and Ghana Training Service with technical assist from the World Well being Group (WHO) and UNESCO, goals to offer the proof wanted to tell coverage and form responsive, school-based interventions.
To make sure the profitable rollout of the survey, a nationwide coaching programme has been held in Kumasi for 20 information collectors and survey directors. Members have been geared up with technical information, moral steerage, and sensible instruments to manage the survey successfully and responsibly in faculties throughout the nation.
In her opening remarks, the Director for College Well being and Training Programme (SHEP) on the Ghana Training Service, Mrs Theresa Oppong Mensah, stated, “Within the Ghana Training Service, we’re absolutely dedicated to supporting this vital information assortment train. The insights we collect can be crucial in shaping extra responsive well being and schooling interventions for younger folks throughout the nation”.
The coaching coated the total GSHS protocol and questionnaire, together with modules on diet, bodily exercise, psychological well being, alcohol and drug use, sexual behaviour, and the function of household and peer assist. As well as, individuals obtained hands-on instruction on precisely measuring top and weight — important information for assessing danger elements for NCDs.
Dr. Pascal Mwin, Technical Officer for Noncommunicable Ailments on the WHO Nation Workplace, talking on behalf of the WHO Consultant on the coaching, emphasised the significance of the initiative. “This coaching is a crucial funding in constructing a stronger basis for adolescent well being in Ghana. By equipping information collectors with the proper abilities, we’re guaranteeing the reliability of the information — and in the end, the effectiveness of the insurance policies and interventions they are going to inform.”
To strengthen studying, the coaching included mock interviews, function performs, and a subject pre-test in chosen faculties. These sensible elements enabled individuals to simulate real-life situations, sharpen their abilities, and construct confidence forward of the survey rollout.
Mrs Yaa Serwaa Assan Ninson, a Programme Officer from UNESCO added, “We’re not simply coaching information collectors — we’re getting ready the bottom for nationwide motion. This information will inform us the place our younger individuals are most susceptible and the way faculties can turn into areas that defend, assist, and promote more healthy futures”.
This exercise is a part of WHO’s broader assist to strengthen faculty well being techniques by way of guided nationwide programmes on planning and implementation. It additionally builds native capability, helps service supply and governance, and promotes adolescent participation in shaping well being responses that have an effect on them.
As Ghana strikes nearer to implementing the 2025 GSHS, WHO will proceed to work with different companions to assist authorities in constructing more healthy faculty environments by enhancing information techniques, assist service supply, guiding nationwide planning and selling adolescent participation. These efforts are central to enabling faculties to serve not simply as locations of studying, however as platforms for selling lifelong well being and wellbeing.
For Further Data or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Nation Workplace
E-mail: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393