Category: Selected Blogger

03 Apr, 2025

The Repeating Mistakes of the Past: A Looming NCD Pandemic

Advocacy Article

Ahead of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September, 2025

April 3, 2025

The 19th and 20th centuries saw significant advancements in medicine and public health. However, despite these gains, governments and global health leaders failed to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The consequences of this inaction are now being felt in the 21st century.

The Mistakes of the Past

In the 19th and 20th centuries, governments prioritized addressing infectious diseases over NCDs. This oversight led to a lack of investment in NCD research, prevention, and treatment. The consequences were devastating as follows:

  1. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure- Many countries failed to develop healthcare systems capable of addressing the complex needs of NCD patients.
  2. Lack of awareness and education- Limited public awareness and education campaigns meant that many people were unaware of the risks and consequences of NCDs.
  3. Insufficient funding-NCD research and prevention efforts received inadequate funding, hindering the development of effective treatments and prevention strategies.

The 21st Century: A Repeat of Past Mistakes

Unfortunately, the 21st century has seen a repeat of these mistakes. Despite the growing burden of NCDs, governments and global health leaders have failed to take decisive action. Governments and global leaders current slow to lead and take action attitude on NCDs are felt strongly as highlighted below:

  1. Failed commitments– The 2011 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) included commitments to address NCDs. However, many of these commitments remain unfulfilled.
  2. Inadequate funding– NCD research and prevention efforts continue to receive insufficient funding, hindering progress in addressing these diseases.
  3. Lack of progress– The global response to NCDs has been slow, and the disease burden continues to grow.

The Consequences: A Looming Pandemic

The consequences of these failures are dire. If left unchecked and unattended to, NCDs will become a pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide which could have a catastrophic   consequences.

The following would be the results if governments and global leaders fails take a bold decision to lead and take action on NCDs during the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September, 2025.

  1. INCREASED MORTALITY AND DISABILITY– NCDs will become a leading cause of death globally, surpassing infectious diseases and a leading cause of disability.
  2. ECONOMIC BURDEN-The economic impact of NCDs will be devastating, with estimates suggesting that NCDs will cost the global economy trillions of dollars.
  3. HUMAN SUFFERING– Millions of people will suffer from the debilitating effects of NCDs, impacting their quality of life and ability to contribute to their communities.

Living with a Half-Life

Persons living with NCDs (PLWNCDs), the reality is stark. Many are forced to live with a half-life, unable to fully participate in their day-to-day activities in their communities or reach their potential. Persons living with NCDs are usually saddled with myriad of challenges. Key dominating challenges which cuts across especially for people from low-and middle –income countries are;

  1. LIMITED ACCESS TO CARE– Many people lack access to affordable, quality healthcare, exacerbating their condition.
  2. SOCIAL ISOLATION– NCDs can lead to social isolation, further impacting mental and physical health.
  3. ECONOMIC HARDSHIP-The financial burden of NCDs can be crushing, pushing persons living with NCDs families into poverty and worsening of their condition.

A Call to Action for Governments and Global Leaders

As we approach the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September 2025, we (advocates, persons living NCDs, caregivers, health professionals, CSOs, etc.) urge your Excellencies, to uphold to your oath, to protect and serve your citizens. Your constitutions mandate that you prioritize their well-being and health.

The duty as leaders has a moral Imperative from the living word of God in Proverbs 3:27, advises, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”

This wisdom underscores your responsibility to urgently act with kindness and compassion, particularly in matters of life and death (with respect to non-communicable disease, a looming Pandemic). The health and well-being of your citizens are not merely moral obligations but fundamental human rights.

The Urgency of Action

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) pose a significant threat to global health, claiming millions of lives each year. In 2021, 18 million people died from an NCD before age 70 years. 82% of these premature deaths occurs in low-and middle –income countries. Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or at least 19 million deaths in 2021, followed by cancers (10 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4 million), and diabetes (over 2 million including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes) (WHO, 2024).

As leaders, you have the power to implement policies and programs that prevent NCDs, improve healthcare systems, and save lives. Delaying action or withholding support is not an option.

A Call to Responsibility

We (advocates, persons living with NCDs, caregivers, health professionals, CSOs, etc.) urge your Excellencies to take immediate action to:

  1. Commit to Save Lives- Adopt and Implement a preventive care model to prevent 80% of NCD-related deaths through early intervention and treatment.
  2. Strengthen healthcare systems- Invest in healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and services to ensure equitable access to quality care.
  3. Earmark Revenue from Sin Tax- Allocate revenue from sin taxes (e.g., tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol) to fund NCD prevention and control programs.
  4. Monitor Progress and Accountability- Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and ensure accountability.
  5. Implement NCD prevention policies- Enact policies that promote healthy lifestyles, reduce risk factors, and support early detection and treatment.
  6. Ensure access to essential medicines- Guarantee the availability and affordability of essential medicines for NCDs.
  7. Enhance Research and Development- Encourage research and development of affordable, innovative treatments and technologies for NCDs.

 Recognition of Global Health Organizations’ Efforts in NCD Prevention and Control

Global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the NCD Alliance, World Heart Federation (WHF), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and NCD-specific focus organizations like the World Stroke Organization (WSO), World Obesity Federation(WOF),  International Union for Cancer Control (IUCC), Global Heart Hub (GHH), World Hypertension League,  International Society of Hypertension ,etc. are making significant investments in the prevention, control, treatment, and capacity building for health care  professionals  and advocates to better address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the national and regional levels.

These organizations are working tirelessly to enhancing healthcare systems and services for people living with NCDs, advocating for policies that support NCD prevention and control, training healthcare professionals and empowering people living with NCDs and Educating communities about NCD risks and prevention strategies with the support of their members and partners.

We (advocates, persons living with NCDs, caregivers, health professionals, CSOs, etc.) highly commend the contributions of these global health organizations and NGOs for their tireless efforts in controlling, preventing, and treating NCDs globally. Their work has made a significant impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide.

We urge donors and partners to provide uninterrupted funding to support the critical work of these organizations. Donors and partners continued support is essential to;

  1. Sustain progress: Maintaining momentum in NCD prevention and control efforts.
  2. Address emerging challenges: Responding to new and evolving NCD challenges.
  3. Ensure equitable access: Providing healthcare services and support to people, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status, thus to abolishing “Cash-and-Carry” system of care.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with NCDs and ensure the long-term success of NCD prevention and control efforts.

Conclusion

 Your Excellencies, as leaders, you have the capacity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your citizens by reaffirming your committing to lead and take action on NCDs at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September, 2025. We urge you to seize this opportunity, uphold your oath, and prioritize the health and well-being of your people. The time for action is now. Do not withhold kindness or help when it is within your power to LEAD and to TAKE ACTION on NCDs.

It’s time for governments and global health leaders avoid the repetition of the mistake of the past with its devastating consequences and  lead by taking action to address the growing burden of NCDs.

“Repeating the mistakes of the past will unleash an NCD pandemic. Health is a right, not a privilege. Inaction denies this right, leaving millions living a half-life.” – Sir Ad Adams Ebenezer

 

Advocacy Article by:

Sir Ad Adams Ebenezer, CDfJC

Global Health, Policy and Patient Advocate

Community Based Rehabilitation Robotics and AT Expert

Consultant

21 Sep, 2023

GHANA’S CVD SCORECARD 2022-2023

WHF-SCORECARD-2022-GHANA(Dev3)

Summary of Ghana’s CVD Scorecard

The world over, Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major public health concern with attendant negative implications on the lives and development of the individuals, the family, community, the nation and beyond. NCDs undermine the attainment of development targets at various levels through social, economic, and biological pathways in a vicious cycle of ill-health, poverty, strained family cohesion, poor mental health, productivity loss among others. The burden of mortality attributed to these NCDs, such as cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, etc. were expected to exceed that of communicable diseases by 2030. However, it is fast becoming obvious that NCDs may be contributing more to indices of morbidity and mortality than communicable diseases.

There is an established double disease burden of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana, with Non-Communicable Diseases fast gaining prominence as the leading causes of hospital attendance and deaths. NCDs include diabetes, obesity, stroke, hypertension, cancer and others. Some of the afore-mentioned diseases (Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity, etc.) are known predisposing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, an analysis of the trend of morbidity and mortality for Ghana has shown a rise in the prevalence of CVD related conditions. It is also known that the socio-demographics characteristics of those with CVD and related diseases are rapidly shifting from older age groups to younger ones and currently, individuals at high risk of CVDs are usually at the peak of their productive years.

The objectives of the Ghana NCD Policy include reducing the incidence of chronic NCDs; reducing the unhealthy lifestyles that contribute to NCDs; reducing morbidity associated with NCDs and improving the overall quality of life in persons with NCDs.

As part of efforts aimed at achieving objective of the country’s National Health Policy and NCD Policy is the establishment of systems for the prevention, early detection, prompt management and accurate reporting of CVDs at all Operational Levels.

The results of the CVD Scorecard Project have revealed unsettling trends in the economic burden of CVDs. For instance, the Estimated direct (e.g. health care-related) cost of tobacco use in Ghana’s population stood at 123 million USD every year, i.e. an average per capita of over Fifty – Two Thousand (52,000) persons (i.e. USD 2,363.3). The Proportion of premature CVD mortality attributable to tobacco (%) is estimated at 66.39%. Given the seemingly “low” prevalence of tobacco use, a proposed hypothesis for this could be explained by secondary smoking and the use of other forms of tobacco.

Recorded alcohol consumption per capita (15+ years) in liters of pure alcohol in a three-year period in Ghana averagely stood at 2.7 liters, meaning the entire Ghanaian population consumes 27,713,347.2 liters every year.

A quick look at the afore mentioned figures indicate that Ghana stands to make tremendous health and economic gains from combating CVDs and NCDs in general. The Project has also highlighted the strengths of the Ghanaian health system, such as a strong health workforce base and the availability of the appropriate clinical protocols and guidelines for health care delivery. Bolstering the weak structures of Ghana’s health care system, will afford tremendous gains in reducing morbidity and mortality due to CVDs and improving the quality of lives of Ghanaians.

Contact Ministry of Health Ghana  and the project coordinator Ad Adams Ebenezer for the full report via email ad.adams@sasnetghana.org or strokeghana@yahoo.com

SASNET GHANA Secretariat +233(0)594989495

Find Ghana’s CVD Score Card infographic link below

WHF-SCORECARD-2022-GHANA(Dev3)

22 Jun, 2020

COMMON PROBLEMS AFTER A STROKE AND WHERE TO SEEK HELP FROM.

COMMON PROBLEMS AFTER A STROKE AND WHERE TO SEEK HELP FROM

PROBLEMS

  1. Shoulder pain/shoulder and hand pain.
  2. Urinary tract (bladder) infection.
  3. Constipation/diarrhea.
  4. Sliding or falling out of wheelchair.
  5. Behaviors problems.
  6. Aspiration (Choking/coughing after swallowing).
  7. Bedsores.
  8. Depression.
  9. Double vision or – Only seeing on one side.
  10. Reactions from a prescribed medication.
  11. Stroke centers/units/support /Treatment.

 

WHERE TO SEEK HELP FROM

  1. Physiotherapist/ Occupational therapist.
  2. Clinic/doctor/nurse.
  3. Clinic/doctor/nurse.
  4. Physiotherapist /occupational therapist.
  5. Occupational therapist/Clinical psychologist /social worker.
  6. Speech and language therapist /nurse.
  7. Doctor/nurse/physiotherapist/ Occupational therapist.
  8. Clinic/doctor/occupational therapist /social worker.
  9. Clinic/optometrist/occupational therapist.
  10. Doctor/pharmacist/Hospital/clinic.
  11. SASNET-GHANA Team/Help line.

IMPORTANT : Person living with stroke and their carers could also receive  answers to the above stated problems by signing up to the Post Discharge Stroke Support(PDSS) Program by the Stroke Association Supportnetwork-Ghana (SASNET-GHANA).

http://:caresasnetghana.org  online or

by signing up to  Ask Dr Charway –Felli Platform for support .

Register for free support online here  care.sasnetghana.org/ask-charway/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03 Jun, 2020

Simple Pleasures for This Simple Stroke Survivor

Simple Pleasures for This Simple Stroke Survivor

About the Author: Joyce Hoffman is one of the world’s top 10 stroke bloggers according to the Medical News Today. You can find the original post and other blogs Joyce Wrote in https://stroketales.blogspot.com/

author

Joyce Hoffman
28 May, 2019

Looking back over my life, I had very complicated pleasures. For example, when I wanted to convince people in the office to maintain their opposition to a particular practice, it all depended on what other people would do. Crowd mentality indeed. Or when I celebrated holidays, the host would make what she liked rather than what the compan liked. Mom mentality.

But as a stroke survivor, I found that my preferences transformed into simple. Here are the top ten, all of which I didn’t do before my stroke:Waking up to greet the day

Waking up every day is my top simple pleasure. What do I do to achieve that goal? Well, there are no guarantees in life, but switching over to the plant diet almost a year ago gave me so many chances to stay healthy. In pretending about the pandemic, I maintain that eating high Vitamin C oranges somehow kept me immune from the coronavirus. That theory is not on the proven list, but eating Vitamin C is great for preventing or lessen the severity of so many other diseases anyway.

Adding the perfect amount of water to my oatmeal

I actually celebrate with an audible “Yes!” multiple times when my oatmeal comes out of the microwave perfectly. Of course, nobody is there to hear it, and I find that reassuring. It’s a game I play with myself, guessing which amount of water is suitable to add to the instant variety. Somebody who lives with one or more people doesn’t get it, but I get it. I am the only one I have to please.

Watching the washer wash


I like the sound of the washer wash clothes. I like the “Spin” cycle the best. Oftentimes, I find myself watching the washer wash the clothes–my clothes, mesmerized–which I could have worn over again but didn’t because the washer sound is relaxing, which I wouldn’t hear on re-wearing.

Balancing my checkbook

I used to balance my checkbook as drudgery, something I had to do to keep my sanity in check, often getting frustrated when I reversed numbers or got the period in the wrong place. Now, I welcome it every month because I remembered my math functions. And I like the way my handwriting improved in 11 years, keeping the figures inside the lines.

Monitoring the vegan cooking


I was always a participant, from jumping rope as a youngster, to playing my songs as a teen in the talent show, to throwing events as an adult. Now, cooking-wise, I’m still a participant. Clare, my nurse friend, who prepares all my meals, brings the pot over to me to check on the consistency or taste or color. I’d rather cook myself, but having got the handle on do’s and dont’s. this method is the next best thing.

Observing the houses surrounded by nature

Normally, in those normal times before the stroke, I went around the block and that was it, not noticing the fine points. Now, my friend and I find something new every time we go like a new fence, plants and trees in bloom, or a missing shingle or the roof. That’s the game we play, because remembering what we found a few days ago keeps my memory sharp.

Making a schedule

Every time my friend comes which are on weekdays, I present her with a to-do list of things that should be done. I can move the entries if she doesn’t have time to finish, and she likes to check off completed tasks. Most importantly, this system, too, helps me remember the current and future tasks.

Pronouncing words until I say them perfectly

I have trouble pronouncing some words. Sometimes, if I say it over and over in a day, that will be enough for future times. Sometimes, like with the “scr” words, as in prescription and subscription, having practiced for 8 years, I still get tripped up. I used to be a public speaker so it’s difficult I can’t do that anymore, but just saying words correctly is the next best thing in order to communicate effectively. When somebody says, “I can’t understand you,” my heart just breaks.

Getting a coffee package from Amazon

Not that trillionaire Jeff Bezos need free advertising, but I look forward to this Amazon coffee coming because it wakes me up with a jolt in the morning. A jolt equals instant awareness of my surroundings so that I have an uninterrupted and clutter-free path when I’m going to walk around. At $4.95 for a 12-ounce bag, you can sample all the flavors while staying alert. In a sense, priceless.

Counting the birds that fly by in 10 minutes

Birds, predominantly crows, fly by in groups. I never see one crow without another one to follow. Especially now that it’s mating season, the birds are frequent. And no, I don’t watch the birds “fornicating.” Sheesh! Birds, too, need a little privacy. And don’t think I’m a nerd. People need something to do in this pandemic.

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Lewis Moulton
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