Cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in Accra, with cardiovascular diseases emerging as a major cause of death among the aged and middle-aged residents of the capital city
Dr. Abena Okoh, the Metropolitan Director of Health Services, pointed out that chronic respiratory diseases, often linked to environmental pollution and unhealthy lifestyles, are becoming more prevalent in the city.
Hypertension, a common NCD, has been identified as the fifth leading cause of death in Accra for three consecutive years – from 2021 to 2023. The number of hypertension cases reported in health facilities in Accra has been steadily increasing, with a total of 38,826 cases recorded over the three-year period. Asthma, cardiac diseases, and stroke are also significant contributors to the burden of NCDs in the city.
Despite the alarming statistics, Dr. Okoh emphasized that many of these deaths are preventable with the right interventions. She highlighted the importance of addressing environmental pollution and promoting healthier lifestyles in the community. The health director also specifically mentioned the risks faced by women in the James Town suburb who engage in smoking fish with firewood, urging them to consider using clean cook stoves for their own health benefit.
