Ghana is dealing with a substantial rise in non-communicable diseases(NCDs), with psychological health issues– particularly depression– becoming a critical concern. A recent nationwide evaluation, carried out by the Ghana Health Service utilizing the World Health Organization’s Step-by-step Technique, highlights the urgent need to tackle psychological health alongside other NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer. The findings underscore the impact of demographic shifts and way of life modifications, which are resulting in increased rates of both mental and physical health issues that heavily strain individuals, families, and health systems.Mental health impacts around 1 in every 8 individuals of the international population (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders) and some psychological health conditions, particularly anxiety is projected to become the leading cause of impairment around the world by 2030 (https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/eb130/b130_9-en.pdf). In Ghana, depression and other psychological health challenges disproportionately affect ladies and individuals with chronic physical health conditions, including complexity to the health concern presented by NCDs. In spite of the rising numbers, mental health services and support systems are typically under-resourced, leaving many to have a hard time in silence.Other NCDs like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cervical cancer substance the problem. Hypertension, a major factor to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure, impacts over 1.3 billion people globally and continues to grow as a quiet hazard in Ghana (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension). Similarly, diabetes– frequently underdiagnosed– leads to serious problems without correct management. Meanwhile, cervical cancer stays the leading cause of cancer-related deaths amongst ladies in the area (https://www.afro.who.int/publications/who-afro-investment-case-series-accelerating-cervical-cancer-elimination-africa), with late-stage diagnoses making it tough to deal with effectively.At the launch of the Ghana STEPS Report 2023, Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Officer-In-Charge in Ghana, highlighted the vital role of information in developing targeted health interventions: “WHO will continue supporting Ghana to use information in designing targeted interventions. With NCDs causing 40% of worldwide deaths, this action report is essential for decreasing Ghana’s NCD burden.” Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health for the Ghana Health Service, included, “Psychological health and NCDs are a major concern however mostly preventable. This report provides us insight into threat factors, affected groups, and leads the way for targeted interventions.”
For more details on mental health and NCDs in Ghana, gain access to the complete GhanaSTEPS Report 2023 (https://files.aho.afro.who.int/afahobckpcontainer/production/files/Cervical_Cancer.pdf)
With collaborative efforts, Ghana can resolve the growing mental health and NCD obstacles, building a healthier and more resilient society for future generations. WHOs Special Effort for Mental Health, in Ghana, is currently working carefully with the Ghana Health Service and the Mental Health Authority to scale-up services for individuals coping with psychological, neurological and substance use conditions.
Ghana is dealing with a significant rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with mental health issues– particularly anxiety– emerging as an important problem. A current nationwide assessment, carried out by the Ghana Health Service using the World Health Company’s Stepwise Method, highlights the immediate need to tackle psychological health together with other NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer. The findings highlight the impact of demographic shifts and lifestyle modifications, which are resulting in increased rates of both mental and physical health issues that greatly strain individuals, families, and health systems.Mental health impacts around 1 in every 8 individuals of the global population (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders) and some psychological health conditions, particularly depression is predicted to end up being the leading cause of special needs worldwide by 2030 (https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/eb130/b130_9-en.pdf). In Ghana, depression and other psychological health challenges disproportionately impact women and people with chronic physical health conditions, including complexity to the health burden presented by NCDs. Despite the rising numbers, psychological health services and support systems are frequently under-resourced, leaving lots of to have a hard time in silence.Other NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer compound the concern. Hypertension, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure, impacts over 1.3 billion people worldwide and continues to grow as a silent risk in Ghana (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension). Similarly, diabetes– typically underdiagnosed– leads to extreme issues without appropriate management. On the other hand, cervical cancer remains the leading reason for cancer-related deaths amongst women in the area (https://www.afro.who.int/publications/who-afro-investment-case-series-accelerating-cervical-cancer-elimination-africa), with late-stage diagnoses making it hard to deal with effectively.At the launch of the Ghana STEPS Report 2023, Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Officer-In-Charge in Ghana, highlighted the critical role of information in creating targeted health interventions: “WHO will continue supporting Ghana to utilize information in developing targeted interventions. With NCDs triggering 40% of international deaths, this STEPS report is vital for minimizing Ghana’s NCD burden.” Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health for the Ghana Health Service, included, “Mental health and NCDs are a major concern but mostly preventable. This report offers us insight into threat aspects, affected groups, and paves the way for targeted interventions.”For more details on mental health and NCDs in Ghana, access the complete GhanaSTEPS Report 2023 (https://files.aho.afro.who.int/afahobckpcontainer/production/files/Cervical_Cancer.pdf)With collective efforts, Ghana can address the growing psychological health and NCD difficulties, constructing a healthier and more resistant society for future generations. WHOs Special Initiative for Mental Health, in Ghana, is currently working closely with the Ghana Health Service and the Mental Health Authority to scale-up services for individuals coping with mental, neurological and substance usage conditions.
