BY Khadel Mahama
According to Agyei Mensah, S. and De-Graft Aikins, A. (2010), Ghana’s disease burden has shifted from communicable disease to non-communicable disease. Chronic communicable diseases are conditions that occur or are known to affect individuals over an extensive period and for which there are no known causative agents that are transmitted from one affected person to another (Daar et al., 2007). Over the years non-communicable diseases have not been given much attention in Ghana. The overwhelming burden of communicable diseases and the scarcity of resources has led to the neglect of non-communicable diseases (MOH, 2022). Prevailing currently in Ghana is the problem of chronic non-communicable diseases, and the ultimate risk factors associated with these diseases have increased significantly. Major non-communicable diseases in Ghana are hypertension, diabetes, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and Sickle cell disease (MOH, 2012). . These non-communicable diseases affect both the young and the old living in both the urban and rural communities. These diseases affect both the poor and the rich. Lay awareness and knowledge about these diseases are limited as there isn’t much public education on this chronic disease in Ghana currently, contributing to increased risk, morbidity and mortality. Urbanization, poor lifestyles (which include poor diet and inactivity) ageing populations, globalization and weak health systems are implications in chronic disease risk, morbidity and mortality (Agyei Mensah, S. and De-Graft Aikins A 2010).
As a result, chronic non-communicable diseases constitute a public health problem that needs to be addressed. Epidemiological data on non-communicable diseases is needed to guide policy and also to develop effective interventions. Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases especially hypertension and diabetes in Ghana is imperative and any delays in instituting preventive measures could pose a greater challenge to the already overburdened health system. The public should be made aware that these diseases are preventable by educating them on the factors associated with being overweight, increased salt consumption and excessive alcohol intake. It is estimated that the mortality from non-communicable diseases will continue to increase. The largest increase in mortality from non-communicable diseases is projected to be seen in developing countries, especially in the African region; especially in sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2030 (Abegunde et al., 2007). It is therefore imperative that measures such as educating the public on the dangers of tobacco use, protecting non-smokers from tobacco smoke and enforcing bans on the promotion and advertisement of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Priority measures should also be put in place to achieve a healthy diet. These measures should include health promotion to increase awareness about healthy foods. Less than seven per cent of the daily diet should come from saturated fatty acids and less than one per cent from Trans fatty acids. Cholesterol intake should be less than 300mg daily. Total fat intake should not exceed 20% to 35% of calories. The Ministry of Health through the government should use price control to discourage the consumption of unhealthy foods. Advertising of unhealthy foods and non-alcoholic drinks for children should be controlled. Healthy eating should be included in the curricula of educational institutions from the primary level through to the tertiary level. In line with the WHO recommendation, at least five servings of fruits should be consumed by every individual (WHO, 2012). There is a need for educating the general public against the intake of foods that contain high amounts of added salt, sugar and saturated fatty acids. The consumption of fish, especially oily fish at least twice a week should be encouraged. Foods that contain concealed salts, such as processed foods, fast foods, takeaways, and restaurant foods should be marked out for legislation. The Government school feeding programme should be supervised by dieticians so that a well-balanced diet which is prepared under hygienic conditions will be served. The general public should be encouraged to engage in daily physical activity. Individuals who are usually sedentary, such as office workers, drivers, as well as market women should be educated on the importance of taking short breaks to walk around or to undertake some other forms of exercise where possible. The general public should be made aware of the symptoms of non-communicable diseases. Individuals with symptoms of non-communicable diseases should be encouraged to report early to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment to improve their medical outcomes.
