Story of a survivor championing patient-led approach to dealing with NCDs

Persons living with NCDs must lead the conversation on NCDs in Ghana so that people will understand what it means.

According to the World Health Organisation, NCDs such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lung illnesses are responsible for 43 per cent of all deaths recorded in Ghana annually.

In contrast to communicable diseases, most NCDs are chronic and are associated with a multiplicity of behavioural risk factors, commonly, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and air pollution.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that a total of 41 million deaths or over 71% of global deaths are due to NCDs In the last few decades, NCDs have gained recognition as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana.

Florence Akumiah advised Ghanaians to be more responsible for their health prescribing a minimum of biannual health screening to facilitate early detection of any condition.

“The Ghanaian must be more responsible for their health, especially on health financing

Rarely do you find people putting money aside for their health, if you did not put money aside for your health and you have an incident then you find yourself wanting.