Health experts sound alarm: NCDs could be the next global pandemic

Health experts warn that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) could emerge as the next global pandemic following COVID-19 unless immediate action is taken.

During the National Dialogue on NCD by JOY News, experts emphasised the urgent need for proactive government intervention.

Prof. Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah from the University of Ghana Business School highlighted the importance of a multidimensional approach to combatting NCDs.

“NCDs are the next pandemic. How do we communicate this to those in power, such as the Ministry of Finance and cabinet members? Do they view NCDs with the same urgency as COVID-19, necessitating regular addresses from the President?” he questioned.

He underscored that effective regulations and policies are crucial for addressing the root causes of these diseases. Dr. Kwasi Boahene, Director of Health Systems at PharmAccess, painted a dire picture for Ghana, predicting that by 2030, the country may spend approximately six billion dollars annually on managing chronic diseases.

The consensus among health experts states that immediate and strategic measures are required to prevent NCDs from escalating into a pandemic. This includes the implementation of comprehensive policies and effective communication with decision-makers.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also referred to as lifestyle related diseases, tend to affect individuals over a long period of time. Characteristically, NCDs are not transmitted from one affected person to another.

The major NCDs in Ghana include cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart disease and stroke), chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma, COPD and bronchitis), diabetes and cancer, among others.

JKB/NOQ