- Global health leaders, policymakers, and scientists convened in Accra for a three-day symposium to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death worldwide.
- The NIHR Global Health Research Centre for NCD Control in West Africa, co-led by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), hosted the summit.
- The meeting brought together all five Global Health Research Centres established by NIHR under a five-year programme to share progress, lessons learned, and strategies for long-term sustainability.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) recently convened a high-level summit in Accra, Ghana, to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. The three-day symposium, held from April 28 to April 30, marked a significant shift in the global health landscape, with a focus on large-scale implementation of health interventions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United Kingdom.
The NIHR Global Health Research Centre for NCD Control in West Africa, co-led by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), hosted the summit under the theme “Ensuring Sustainability from Global Health Research Centres". The event brought together a diverse group of global health leaders, policymakers, and scientists to share progress, lessons learned, and strategies for long-term sustainability.
Background: The Growing Burden of NCDs
Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes, have become the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for over 41 million deaths annually, representing 74% of all global deaths. An estimated 17 million people die prematurely (before age 70) each year, with 86% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
These staggering figures underscore the need for concerted global efforts to address the growing burden of NCDs. Ghana, as a key player in global health research, is increasingly central to these efforts. The country's growing relevance in global health research was highlighted by the Rector of GCPS, Professor Richard Adanu, who welcomed delegates to the summit.
Government Support for Evidence-Led Health Policy
Representing Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Dr Hafez Adam Taher emphasized the central role of research in shaping Ghana's healthcare policies. He pointed to the alignment between the initiative and Ghana's Free Primary Healthcare policy, noting that expanded screening and early detection of NCDs remain key priorities.
Dr Taher also highlighted alignment between the STOP-NCD initiative and government priorities, particularly the Free Primary Healthcare policy, which seeks to strengthen access and integrate NCD prevention and care into primary health systems. He expressed appreciation to NIHR, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and other partners for supporting the initiative, expressing optimism that full-scale implementation would yield positive results.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
The summit marked a significant milestone in the global fight against NCDs. Key takeaways from the event included the need for stronger collaboration among participants, the importance of evidence-led health policy, and the critical role of research in shaping healthcare policies. The event also highlighted Ghana's growing relevance in global health research and its potential to contribute to the global effort to address NCDs.
Looking Ahead: A New Era in Global Health Research
The NIHR Global Health Research Centre for NCD Control in West Africa is poised to play a critical role in the global fight against NCDs. As the centre continues to drive research and innovation in the region, it is essential to build on the momentum generated by the summit. Strengthening collaboration among participants, investing in evidence-led health policy, and leveraging research to inform healthcare decisions will be crucial in realizing the centre's vision for a healthier future.
