Ghanaians are dying from non-communicable diseases – Health expert
Non-communicable infections are killing Ghanaians at a faster rate, Mr Bedima Duut, Brong-Ahafo Regional Chairman of the District Directors of Health Group, has said.
He observed that many Ghanaians are dying through diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma because they are leading sedentary lifestyles, without regular or no exercise at all.
Mr Duut therefore recommended the need for the public to undertake comprehensive health check at least once a year to know their status to be placed on special diets and medication if necessary to avoid the unfortunate.
Mr Duut was speaking to Ghana News Agency in an interview after the Group organised a health screening exercise for staff of the Regional Coordinating Council in Sunyani.
More than 100 beneficiaries comprising drivers, workers and heads of department were screened to check their blood pressure, blood sugar level, body mass index and HIV status.
Mr Duut, a Pharmacist, and Asunafo North District Director of Health, advised the public especially the hypertensive, asthmatic and the diabetic to reduce the intake of sugar, salt, and meat and consume more fruits, vegetables and exercise regularly.
He said such patients could live a longer life if they strictly adhere to their drugs requirements and get enough rest.
Dr Osei Kuffuor Afreh, Berekum Municipal Health Director, and National Chairman of the Group, charged members to also organise screening exercises in their various districts.
Mrs Faustina Antwi Asamoah, a Midwifery Officer at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital noted that though education has been intensified, public stigmatisation on HIV and AIDS is prevalent.
She observed that because of stigmatisation and discrimination people are always reluctant to check their status, which she said is contributing to the spread of the infection.
Mrs Asamoah indicated that mother to child transmission of HIV has reduced in the Municipality, adding that in 2013 no child got the infection.
Source: GNA