The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have launched the AYA-Integrated Healthcare Initiative (IHI) to tackle the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), specifically cardiovascular and diabetes in the country.
The Initiative, which is a continuation of work done by the Ghana Heart Initiative (GHI), will focus on the prevention, detection and management of NCDs.
Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Minister of Health, led stakeholders to officially launch the Initiative in Accra.
The Initiative will be implemented by GIZ with funding from Bayer AG, Sanofi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Mr Acquah said according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs were the primary cause of death and disability worldwide, accounting for the death of 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71 per cent of all deaths globally.
He noted that 77 per cent of those deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries, causing them to lose $500 billion annually.
Mr Acquah said it was due to those losses that the government committed to join other stakeholders to implement the AYA-IHI.
He called on the private sector to join the fight with their resources.
Responding to the Deputy Minister's call, Siegfried Leffler, Head of Operations, International Services, GIZ, said, “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.”
Dr. Claus Runge, Chief Health Equity Officer, Bayer AG, said his outfit was proud to have supported the GHI since its inception six years ago.
He said the partnership had had a tremendous impact on cardiovascular management in Ghana and that his outfit was enthusiastic to continue the collaboration with the AYA-IHI.
Aside from the launch of the Initiative, some stakeholders, who had worked hard in the fight against NCDs took home some citations and plaques.
Latest Stories
-
Voters Register: Let’s have evidence during IPAC Meeting – EC to Stakeholders
21 mins -
Ghanaian youngster Joseph Opoku nets winner in Zulte Waregem victory over Anderlecht Futures
52 mins -
Galamsey: NDC imported foreigners to destroy our water bodies – NPP MP alleges
55 mins -
We won’t ban galamsey today or tomorrow – NPP MP Ayew Afriyie
1 hour -
The Direction Talk: Elevating minds, uplifting spirits
1 hour -
Mahama to unveil NDC women’s manifesto in Ashanti Region today
2 hours -
Michael Baidoo scores 10th league goal as Elfsborg come from behind to beat Kalmar
2 hours -
NLA committed to fairness and growth – Sammi Awuku insists
2 hours -
Excessive campaign spending triggering a rise in labour strikes – Austin Gamey
2 hours -
Dr Augustine Blay launches Bawumia Nation to mobilise digital volunteers for 2024 election campaign
3 hours -
Today’s frontpages: Monday, September 30,2024
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo set to begin 2024 election campaign tour on October 2
3 hours -
Robert Ayittey wins GNCCI’s Young Entrepreneur award
3 hours -
Harris campaign raises $55m over two weekend events, campaign official says
3 hours -
StarLife Assurance and eGotickets to secure the lives of event attendees
3 hours