28/10/2024
The looming crisis of a silent epidemic. 🙋🏿♂️👇🏿
Why to for millions in is of extreme importance.
By 2030, the prevalence of chronic illnesses is expected to rise sharply in Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there will be 47 million people with diabetes alone by 2045, up from 19 million in 2019.
☄️🔥 Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes already account for a substantial portion of deaths in many African countries, ranging from 50% to 88%. There is a tremendous strain on the continent's healthcare systems due to young people taking medications every day for the rest of their lives.
🔕 The rise in chronic diseases in Africa is particularly alarming. For instance, the number of people living with diabetes is expected to more than double from 19 million in 2019 to 47 million by 2045, representing a staggering increase of over 150%. This means more medicines to be procured on a regular basis for longer periods.
💥 As of 2021, NCDs accounted for 45% of deaths in Ghana.As is the case with the rest of Africa, Ghana's chronic disease burden is expected to increase dramatically by 2030 and beyond. This is largely due to factors such as aging populations, urbanization, and changing lifestyles.
Approximately 25.1% of people living in urban areas are at higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other NCDs.This translates to 5.2 million people in Ghana at risk of these diseases.
👩🏿⚕️ All these diseases have to be clinically managed for the rest of the life term of the patient.
Addressing the rising burden of chronic diseases in Africa requires strategic interventions. The most impactful challenge to address is access to medicines since all these diseases are managed on medications for life.