In a bid to combat the rising prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues, Dr. Mavis Sakyi, Acting Head of Public Health and Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health, has called upon the media in [Ghana] to champion awareness campaigns and foster financial support.

Dr. Sakyi emphasized the urgency of addressing NCDs such as cancers, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health concerns, which collectively account for about 54% of deaths in the country. She stressed the need for media platforms to drive dialogue and garner financial backing for awareness initiatives.

Speaking at a capacity-building seminar for media professionals and civil society organizations, themed “Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through the 2nd Global Financial Dialogue on NCDs and Mental Health,” Dr. Sakyi urged the government to prioritize funding for NCDs and mental healthcare.

Mr. Labram Musah, National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, echoed the call for governmental action, proposing the allocation of a percentage of excise tax revenue for NCDs and mental health services. He highlighted the financial burden faced by over 60% of individuals living with NCDs, often resulting in poverty due to out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

Furthermore, Mr. Musah advocated for the removal of subsidies on harmful products such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages to mitigate the prevalence of associated diseases. He underscored the significant toll of NCDs and mental health issues, with an estimated 3.1 million Ghanaians affected by mental health challenges annually.

In conclusion, Mr. Musah emphasized the interconnectivity of NCDs with other health conditions and the detrimental impact of catastrophic spending on households, urging proactive measures to address these pressing health concerns.

Source by Ghana Web