Fighting and preventing cardiovascular diseases in Ghana
Project description
Title: Ghana Heart Initiative (GHI)
Commissioned by: Bayer AG
Financier: Bayer AG
Country: Ghana
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Health Ghana; Ghana Health Service
Overall term: 2018 - 2023
Context
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a rapidly increasing health challenge in Ghana and have become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Stroke, for example, is one of the most common causes of death in the country’s adult population. Early diagnosis, adequate treatment and close monitoring can reduce the fatal consequences of cardiovascular disease. However, the public health care system of Ghana faces a critical shortage of resources and capacities, seriously hindering an effective response to this mounting CVD burden. There is a lack of national guidelines, medical equipment and specially qualified health professionals for the risk assessment and management of cardiovascular diseases.
Objective
The prevention, diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases is improving in Ghana’s public healthcare system.
Approach
The project activities focus on the following:
- Developing national treatment guidelines and associated app and training manuals for cardiovascular disease management in cooperation with the Ghana Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service
- Training health professionals in the prevention, diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases
- Improving national data management and equipment in healthcare facilities and establishing a Support & Call Centre for risk assessment and management of cardiovascular diseases
Last update: March 2022
