Health experts have issued a dire warning that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) could emerge as the next global pandemic post-COVID-19 if immediate actions are not taken.
Annually, over 94,000 people succumb to NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, kidney failures, and cancers, underscoring the inadequacy of current efforts to combat this silent crisis.
At the JoyNews National Dialogue on NCDs held recently, experts stressed the necessity for prompt and proactive government interventions.
Prof. Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah, from the Department of Health Services Management at the University of Ghana Business School, underscored the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing NCDs.
He emphasized the critical role of effective regulations and policies in tackling the underlying causes of these diseases.
“NCDs are the next pandemic. How are we communicating this to the elites who have the power to make decisions when it comes to resource allocation, such as the Ministry of Finance and cabinet?
“Do they see NCDs as the next COVID, which may necessitate the President addressing the nation every fortnight and holding meetings all over the place?
“The way we package this message and align it with their own incentives, in terms of how this determines their electoral fortunes, will be very important,” Prof. Abekah-Nkrumah stated.
He emphasized the necessity of aligning efforts to combat NCDs with the priorities of decision-makers.
Effectively communicating the seriousness of NCDs and their potential impact on the nation’s health and economy is vital to securing the required support and resources.
Dr. Kwasi Boahene, Director of Health Systems at PharmAccess, presented a concerning outlook on NCDs in Ghana, projecting that by 2030, the country could be spending around six billion dollars annually to address these chronic diseases.
The urgent message from health experts is clear: immediate and well-planned actions are essential to prevent NCDs from evolving into a major health crisis, emphasizing comprehensive policies and impactful communication with decision-makers.