Non-communicable ailments (NCDs) have emerged as one of the vital well being and improvement challenges of the twenty first century. These ailments, which embrace cardiovascular ailments, cancers, power respiratory ailments, and diabetes, are chargeable for 41 million deaths every year, with 85% of untimely deaths occurring in low- and middle-income international locations. The World Well being Group (WHO) stories that NCDs are a number one explanation for mortality, accounting for 40% of worldwide deaths. In Ghana, the scenario is equally regarding, with NCDs accounting for about 45% of all deaths. This rising NCD burden is fueled by way of life modifications, urbanization, and restricted healthcare entry, making it important for the nation to develop focused interventions.

To deal with this important well being menace, the Ministry of Well being, in partnership with the Ghana Well being Service and with the assist of WHO, has developed the Ghana STEPS Report 2023. This report, launched on Thursday, 31 October 2024, is a complete nationwide evaluation of NCD threat elements utilizing WHO’s STEPwise method. Supported by funding from UK in Ghana and the Norwegian authorities, this survey gives very important information to tell coverage, improve NCD surveillance, and facilitate evidence-based interventions that may save lives. The Ghana STEPS Report 2023 represents the nation’s first nationwide NCD threat issue survey, setting a baseline for future efforts to observe and fight the rising NCD burden.

Talking on the launch occasion, Officer-In-Cost of WHO Ghana, Dr Frank Lule, highlighted WHO’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s use of data-driven methods in NCD prevention. He acknowledged, “WHO will proceed supporting Ghana to make use of information in designing focused interventions. With NCDs inflicting 40% of worldwide deaths, this STEPS report is important for lowering Ghana’s NCD burden.”

Representing the Minister of Well being, Dr. Darius Kofi Osei echoed these sentiments, noting that “The survey findings spotlight critical well being considerations but in addition provide a chance for motion, offering very important proof for coverage responses & baseline information to trace progress.”

Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Well being on the Ghana Well being Service, additionally emphasised the necessity for focused prevention and intervention efforts. “NCDs are a significant concern however largely preventable. This report offers us perception into threat elements, affected teams and paves the best way for focused interventions”, he mentioned.

Mr. Dominic Farrell, Well being Advisor at UK in Ghana, expressed hope that the report will information actionable, cost-effective options: “It’s our hope that this report serves as a basis for focused, cost-effective actions that empower Ghanaians to take cost of their well being and cut back the burden of NCDs.” 

The report presents an in depth have a look at a number of NCD threat elements in Ghana, together with tobacco use, alcohol consumption, weight-reduction plan, salt consumption, and bodily exercise. Findings reveal that 4.8% of adults aged 18 to 69 at the moment smoke tobacco, with a stark distinction in prevalence between women and men. Moreover, 43.9% of adults have by no means consumed alcohol, whereas 22.6% are present drinkers, with a better price amongst males (30.6%) than ladies (14.5%). The survey additional discovered low fruit and vegetable consumption, with most Ghanaians consuming fewer than the beneficial 5 servings per day, contributing to poor dietary habits that improve NCD threat.

Bodily inactivity, one other main NCD threat issue, can be widespread. Almost 10% of adults don’t meet the beneficial degree of bodily exercise, with extra ladies than males falling brief. The report exhibits a regarding pattern in sedentary existence, significantly amongst ladies, with 45.4% reporting no work-related bodily exercise.

WHO’s STEPwise method utilized within the survey offers a strong framework for monitoring NCDs and their threat elements. A multi-stage sampling methodology was used to achieve 5,438 individuals throughout all areas of Ghana, with information assortment carried out by computer-assisted interviews and well being assessments utilizing dependable units. The outcomes have been disaggregated by age, gender, and residence, offering a transparent, consultant image of the NCD panorama in Ghana.

The Ghana STEPS Report 2023 stands as a foundational doc for public well being coverage and motion, offering well timed information to tell interventions, monitor progress, and empower communities to have interaction in more healthy way of life practices. It units the stage for long-term efforts to scale back NCD prevalence and promote more healthy dwelling throughout Ghana. 

For Further Info 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