Accra: The Agona West Health Directorate, in collaboration with SONOTECH Medical and Diagnostic Center, has launched a programme known as 'project vital life' aimed at combating the upsurge of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), making life unbearable for both the young and aged. Dr Jocelyn Maame Esi Darkwah, Agona West Director of Health Services, stated that the programme targets the increasing number of NCD cases recorded at health facilities in the Agona West Municipality and beyond.
According to Ghana News Agency, the diseases include diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, and sickle cells, which are causing sudden deaths and other debilitating health implications. Agona Swedru-based SONOTECH Medical and Diagnostic Center sponsors the three-month programme and will facilitate the training of 40 community health nurses and 20 health volunteers in various communities in the Municipality to educate people about the dangers of these diseases.
Dr Darkwah emphasized that NCDs are silent killers, with individuals as young as 30 and 40 unknowingly carrying the diseases and perishing as a result. She noted the unfortunate reality that these diseases are not detected early by health professionals, leading to prolonged illnesses and sudden deaths. Thus, it is essential for health professionals to be trained and for the public to be sensitized to reduce the upsurge.
The Health Director urged everyone to undergo regular check-ups at health facilities to know their health status for early treatment to reduce complications and deaths. Dr Darkwah also advised the public to adopt healthy lifestyles by reducing alcohol consumption, excessive smoking, and high intake of hard drugs.
Dr Grace Buckman, the Medical Director of SONOTECH Medical and Diagnostic Center, expressed concern that some women do not report breast issues early, which could lead to severe outcomes. She noted that about 40 percent of sudden deaths and serious health complications recorded were NCD cases that could have been prevented by early detection.
Dr Buckman stressed the importance of early reporting of breast cancer and other health issues to hospitals to prevent complications. She expressed optimism that 'project vital life' would significantly reduce unexpected cases of BP, breast cancer, sickle cells, hypertension, and many others.
Nana Kweku Esieni V, the regent of Agona Swedru, commended the collaboration between SONOTECH Medical and Diagnostic Center and Agona West Health Directorate to train health professionals on NCDs and educate people in various communities. He expressed hope that the programme would benefit residents and aid healthy living.
The regent reiterated calls for people, especially the youth, to reduce alcohol intake, smoking, and unhealthy lifestyles, which could have catastrophic consequences on their health and families.
