Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases, are a leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, approximately half of the population suffers from hypertension. Less than a third of those who are ill have been diagnosed, and just 22 per cent of patients are receiving treatment. About half of all deaths (43 per cent) are due to NCDs. Increasingly, common complications related to the absence of diagnosis and treatment are also a factor. A similar picture can be seen for diabetes.
In response to the situation, in 2021 CHAG began the “Akomapa” (healthy heart) project. focuses on improving the diagnosis, control, and treatment of patients with hypertension and/or diabetes to minimise life-threatening complications and increase the quality of life in rural Ghana. The project aims to improve the local diagnosis and treatment of these diseases in 85 facilities in rural communities to achieve the broadest possible delivery of health care.
It concentrates on better and early diagnosis to prevent subsequent complications of the primary diseases. As at December 2021, the project had recruited nearly 8,000 clients with over 50% achieving good control. From January through to October 2022, the target is recruit 70,000 patients on the project and achieve good control for at least 50% of them.