The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate on Friday held a sensitization program on Non-communicable Diseases.
The move formed part of a roadmap which enjoins all countries to hasten and improve their responses to the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 3.4 that seeks to reduce by one-third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment and the promotion of mental health and well-being by 2030
Attendees covered persons drawn from all regions and the aim was to equip them with knowledge on the causes of Non-communicable Diseases and also touch their conscience on the fact that NCDs can be prevented and controlled.
Free health screening was also conducted at the event.
At the program, health experts through their presentations schooled participants on best diets for good health, drug use and compliance, foot care, causes of some NCDs such as diabetes, pressure, stroke, and life styles that can help prevent them.
Coordinator for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Regional Health Directorate, Madama Lydia Owusu Ansah said the sensitization was needful owing to the rate of untimely deaths caused by NCDs.
She said sensitization and early detection are one of the surest ways NCDs can be prevented, adding that NCDs are preventable and controllable.
She therefore urged the public to take matters related to their health seriously.
She also admonished participants to utilize knowledge they received at the event and pass it on to others.
According to the WHO, 21 million people die annually from NCD’s, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally.
Each year, more than 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 years die from an NCDs; 85% of these “premature” deaths occur in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Cardiovascular Diseases account for most NCD deaths, or 17.9 million people annually, followed by Cancers (9.3 million), respiratory diseases (4.1 million), and Diabetes (1.5 million).
These four groups of diseases account for over 80% of all premature NCD deaths and share similar risk factors (Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.A/
