Ghana: Confronting NCDs and Driving Towards Health Sovereignty

Ghana’s health sector is at a pivotal moment, defined by the alarming rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a determined national push towards health sovereignty through domestic funding and self-reliance. This strategic pivot, catalysed by shifts in international aid, highlights a broader continental ambition to take ownership of health priorities.

The following analysis consolidates insights from a diverse panel of Ghanaian experts: the health editor from a national daily newspaper, the health news editor from the national news agency, a health and education journalist from a national television network, a coordinator from a pan-African network of journalists and researchers, and a program officer from an international NGO.

The rise of NCDs and persistent infectious diseases

Ghana’s health leaders and media are focusing on a spectrum of interconnected challenges that demand both immediate attention and long-term strategic planning. NCDs are consistently cited as a top challenge. Stroke, hypertension, and diabetes are on the rise, affecting younger populations more frequently. These trends are closely linked to rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and the proliferation of unhealthy diets characterised by fast food and sugary drinks.

“Rising cases of non-communicable diseases are a growing concern. Stroke, hypertension and diabetes are now topping the charts. Even more worrying is the fact that an increasing number of young people are being affected.”

— Health and education journalist, national television network

Despite progress, communicable diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis remain major public health concerns, continuing to be leading causes of illness and death, particularly among children. The Ghanaian health system is hampered by chronic problems, including significant human resource shortages, infrastructure gaps, and inadequate funding. Maternal and child health continues to be a challenge, with uneven access to quality care, especially in rural areas. Mental health is now recognised as a critical issue, but widespread stigma, limited funding, and a shortage of trained professionals create significant barriers to care.

The aftermath of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a complex and multifaceted legacy in Ghana, with both negative and surprisingly positive consequences. The pandemic strained Ghana’s economy, leading to reduced government revenue and household incomes, which has directly impacted health funding and made it harder for many people to afford essential health services. The crisis caused major interruptions to essential services like routine immunisations and treatment for chronic diseases. On a positive note, the pandemic has made people more conscious of their health needs, leading to greater personal health awareness and engagement. The pandemic increased stress and anxiety across the population, exposing the country’s limited mental health support systems, while frontline health workers are experiencing significant burnout and fatigue.

Innovations driving healthcare progress

Ghana is actively leveraging technology and digital solutions to build a more resilient and accessible healthcare system:

• Digital Health Systems: The District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), based on the DHIS2 platform, is transforming how health data is collected, managed, and used for real-time monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
• Telemedicine and mHealth: Remote consultations and mobile health apps are improving access to care, particularly for patients in rural and remote areas.
• AI and advanced tech: Ghana is piloting the use of AI-powered diagnostics for disease prediction, robotic surgery, and the use of drones to deliver essential medicines, vaccines, and blood to remote locations.
• Local production: In a strategic move toward self-reliance, Ghana has established a national vaccine institute with the goal of manufacturing its own vaccines, reducing dependence on international supply chains.

Adapting to funding shifts and advocating for African voices

Shifts in funding from donor countries have accelerated Ghana’s strategic pivot towards self-reliance and catalysed a powerful call for authentic African storytelling. The reduction or suspension of funding for crucial programmes like PEPFAR and other USAID-supported initiatives has threatened the continuity of services targeting HIV/AIDS, malaria, and maternal health. This disruption has served as a catalyst, reinforcing the national commitment to domestic resource mobilisation and the broader goal of achieving health sovereignty.

“Agencies can ensure stronger representation of African voices and stories in global health coverage by ensuring that Africans tell their own stories the African way.”

— Health editor, national daily newspaper

The core strategy proposed for ensuring stronger representation of African voices is rooted in the principle of “Africans telling their own stories the African way.” Recommended actions include:

• Partnering directly with African media outlets and journalists.
• Investing in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills of local media professionals.
• Sponsoring African journalists to attend global health events to ensure their perspectives are included in international conversations.