Ghana Launches AYA-IHI to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024. In a significant move to address the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ghana, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) have officially launched the AYA-Integrated Healthcare Initiative (IHI). This ambitious project, building upon the success of the Ghana Heart Initiative (GHI), aims to revolutionize the prevention, detection and management of NCDs, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Related: Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Attack in Africa and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: An Explainer for Africans.

The launch event, held in Accra, was spearheaded by Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Minister of Health, who emphasized the critical nature of this initiative. "According to the World Health Organisation, NCDs are the primary cause of death and disability worldwide, accounting for 41 million deaths each year – 71 percent of all global deaths," Mr. Acquah stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The AYA-IHI represents a collaborative effort, with implementation led by GIZ and funding provided by Bayer AG, Sanofi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This partnership exemplifies the power of public-private cooperation in tackling global health challenges.

Mr. Siegfried Leffler, Head of Operations, International Services at GIZ, underscored this synergy: "The AYA-IHI is a prime example of how private sector and public institutions can come together to tackle global health challenges, specifically NCDs. At GIZ, we look forward to continuing this partnership with the Ghanaian government and private sector partners."

The initiative comes at a crucial time, as Mr. Acquah revealed that 77 percent of NCD-related deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, resulting in annual economic losses of $500 billion. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for intervention and the potential impact of the AYA-IHI.

Related: Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa: A Growing Health Challenge:

Dr. Claus Runge, Chief Health Equity Officer at Bayer AG, expressed pride in the company's continued support: "We are proud to have supported the GHI since its inception six years ago. The partnership has had a tremendous impact on cardiovascular management in Ghana, and we are enthusiastic to continue the collaboration with the AYA-IHI."

The launch event also recognized key stakeholders who have been instrumental in the fight against NCDs, presenting them with citations and plaques for their tireless efforts.

As Ghana takes this bold step forward in healthcare, the AYA-Integrated Healthcare Initiative stands as a beacon of hope in the battle against non-communicable diseases. With strong partnerships and dedicated efforts, the initiative promises to make significant strides in improving the health and well-being of Ghanaians for years to come.

Source: Ghana News Agency.

Published: OCTOBER 1, 2024

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