MahamaCare a Step towards Accessible and Affordable Stroke Care in Ghana: An Expert’s Perspective
MahamaCare a Step towards Accessible and Affordable Stroke Care in Ghana: An Expert’s Perspective
Stroke has become a significant health concern in Ghana, with a staggering number of cases recorded between 2021 and 2023. According to the Ghana Health Service, 71,900 stroke cases were reported during this period. Dr. Ben Jabuni, President of the Stroke Association Support Network (SASNET-GHANA), sheds light on the current state of stroke in Ghana and emphasizes the need for better statistics to understand the severity of the issue.
Risk Factors and Lifestyle Changes
High blood pressure is the single most important risk factor for stroke in Ghana, affecting over 1.5 million people. Dr. Jabuni attributes the shift in stroke prevalence to younger age groups to lifestyle changes, such as smoking and unhealthy eating habits. “Lifestyle changes are contributing to stroke in younger people,” he explains. “We need to emphasize the importance of healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, to prevent stroke.”
The Impact of Diet and Stress
Dr. Jabuni highlights the role of high sodium (salt) intake in contributing to high blood pressure and stroke risk. He advises against consuming foods with high sodium content and emphasizes the importance of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Stress is also a significant contributor to high blood pressure and stroke, and Dr. Jabuni notes that lifestyle changes have equalized stroke risks between rural and urban populations.
Symptoms and Immediate Medical Response
Dr. Jabuni introduces the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, and Time) to identify stroke symptoms and emphasizes the importance of acting quickly and seeking emergency medical care. However, he notes that Ghana’s healthcare system faces challenges in diagnosing and treating stroke due to equipment shortages such MRI, CT Scans , etc. and a lack of specialized professionals.
The Need for Community-Based Rehabilitation Centers and Assistive Technology
The Stroke Association Support Network is proposing community-based rehabilitation centers (CBR) and Assistive Technology (AT) to address the need for better stroke care. Dr. Jabuni emphasizes the importance of government support to establish these centers in local communities. “We need to develop community-based rehabilitation centers to provide accessible and affordable care for stroke patients and assistive support,” he says.
Affordability and Accessibility of Stroke Care
Dr. Jabuni discusses the high cost of stroke care and the challenges in affordability for patients. However, he highlights the potential of the MahamaCares initiative to make stroke care more accessible and affordable. “The MahamaCares initiative has the potential to significantly improve stroke care in Ghana by providing dedicated financial support and improving healthcare infrastructure,” he notes. This initiative could lead to better health outcomes and reduced mortality rates for stroke patients.
Conclusion
Stroke is a silent epidemic in Ghana, and Dr. Jabuni’s insights highlight the need for awareness, education, and better resources to address this growing health concern. By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and importance of lifestyle changes, Ghanaians can take steps to prevent stroke and improve their overall health. The Stroke Association Support Network’s efforts to promote awareness, education and rehabilitation support are crucial in addressing this issue, and Dr. Jabuni’s call for community-based rehabilitation centers / assistive technology support and government support is a step in the right direction. The MahamaCares initiative offers a promising solution to improve stroke care in Ghana, and its implementation could have a significant impact on the lives of stroke patients.
Editorial by
Sir Ebenezer Ad Adams
Executive Director SASNET GHANA
Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expert
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