Ghana is stepping up its battle against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), one of the world’s fastest-growing health threats, through a coordinated nati
Ghana is stepping up its battle against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), one of the world’s fastest-growing health threats, through a coordinated national initiative aimed at prevention, early detection, and better management of the disease.
Type 2 Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from insulin resistance, has become a major public health challenge both locally and globally.
In Ghana, health authorities warn that many people are living with the condition without knowing it, as symptoms often go unnoticed until complications such as kidney failure, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases emerge.
Globally, the situation is equally alarming. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projects that the number of adults living with diabetes will surge by 51%, rising from 463 million in 2019 to an estimated 700 million by 2045.
This stark statistic underscores the urgency for countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa where awareness and healthcare access remain limited, to strengthen diabetes prevention and care systems.
In response to this growing concern, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), through its Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Control Programme, has launched a comprehensive effort to tackle diabetes nationwide.
The GHS, with support from Medtronic Labs and pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, has organized a Concept Development Workshop on Type 2 Diabetes aimed at shaping effective communication and behavioral change strategies to prevent and manage the disease.
The workshop brings together health experts, educators, and communication specialists to identify key factors influencing health behaviors, understand public attitudes toward diabetes, and design targeted messages to promote healthy lifestyles.
The initiative also includes the development of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials tailored to specific communities, helping to raise awareness and encourage early testing.
The partnership between the Ghana Health Service, Medtronic Labs, and Novo Nordisk goes beyond awareness creation.
Together, they are implementing the Diabetes Care Strengthening Program, which spans six regions across Ghana.
The program is currently active in 52 health facilities, ranging from district hospitals and health centers to community-based CHPS compounds.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to improve health outcomes for people living with diabetes through early detection, patient education, and capacity building among healthcare providers.
By empowering both patients and frontline health workers, the project aims to create a more resilient healthcare system capable of responding to the rising diabetes burden.
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