Dr. Charway-Felli advocates for preventative approach to NCDs over rarity of cure for Non-Communicable Diseases
In an insightful address at the 6th National High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr. Augustina Charway-Felli, a neurologist with the African Academy of Neurology, emphasized the critical need for proactive measures in addressing the escalating challenges posed by NCDs in Ghana.
Speaking under the theme “Building a Coordinated Front to Bridge the NCD and Mental Health Response Gaps to Achieve Universal Health Coverage in Ghana,” Dr. Charway-Felli shed light on the unique health issues and opportunities presented by Ghana’s and by extension Africa’s predominantly young population.
As Ghana undergoes demographic changes with a growing life expectancy, Dr. Charway-Felli highlighted the evolving spectrum of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the shifting burden they impose on the nation’s healthcare system.
With a focus on preventative measures, she underscored the importance of lifestyle changes and early education to combat risk factors associated with NCDs.
Drawing attention to the economic ramifications of poor brain health and mental health, Dr. Charway-Felli urged policymakers to understand the economic context of NCDs. Emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of preventive measures over care and management, she called for strategic investments in public health and awareness campaigns to mitigate the impact on productivity.
In advocating for a paradigm shift in healthcare, Dr. Charway-Felli stressed the need to move from a curative management model to a preventative model. Highlighting the rarity of cures for many NCDs, she emphasized the cost-effectiveness of prevention and the importance of government to invest in the well-being of the population.
Underlining the significance of education at various levels, including medical personnel, policymakers, and the general public, Dr. Charway-Felli underscored the importance of robust training in primary healthcare provision. She called for widespread advocacy campaigns to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure that preventative measures are widely understood and embraced.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Charway-Felli called for a united front in addressing NCDs, emphasizing that preventative measures are not only a health imperative but also a prudent economic strategy.
