MOH launches first nationwide NCD risk factor survey

The Ministry of Health has launched the findings of Ghana's first nationwide survey on non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors.

The survey, known as the STEPS Survey, was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Statistical Service, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

This data is set to inform policies aimed at combating NCDs such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and respiratory diseases.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Technical Advisor Dr. Darius Osei emphasised the urgency of addressing NCDs, which he called a "growing menace across the African continent."

Highlighting the global scale of the issue, Dr. Osei pointed out that NCDs have become the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 150 million premature deaths among people aged 30 to 70 years, particularly in developing countries.

He noted that the STEPS Survey would provide Ghana with crucial baseline data on NCD risk factors, essential for tracking progress and shaping interventions.

“This survey will serve as a strong advocacy tool for public education and resource mobilization at both local and international levels,” Dr. Osei said.

“We are committed to using this evidence to inform policy and as a foundation for strong partnerships aimed at strengthening Ghana's health system against the threat of NCDs,” he added.

In his address, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health acknowledged the support of several key partners, including the governments of Norway and the United Kingdom, as well as the UK-Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO).

The Chief Director extended special recognition to the survey's principal investigator, whose dedication was vital in completing this extensive study.

While Ghana has made modest progress in addressing the rising burden of NCDs, challenges persist, especially around the reliability of health management systems and the availability of robust data.

The STEPS Survey, therefore, comes at an opportune time, offering Ghana its first comprehensive dataset on NCD risk factors.

Ghana’s approach aligns with the 2013-2030 Global Action Plan for NCDs, involving measures such as taxation on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages, as well as school and community-based health promotion programs.

The findings of the STEPS Survey will now pave the way for reforms in public health strategies, social insurance, and human capital development.

AM/KA

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