Mark Owusu
University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Title: Effective management of non-communicable diseases in Ghana: the case of hypertension and diabetes mellitus
Biography
Biography: Mark Owusu
Abstract
Introduction: Although interest in non-communicable disease research in Africa in general and Ghana, in particular, is increasing, the real burden of hypertension and diabetes and the policy response to these conditions have not yet received the necessary attention.
Statement of the problem: Overemphasis of research on infectious disease (especially malaria and HIV/AIDs) control in Ghana means that few studies have addressed the increasing incidence of diabetes and hypertension. With evidence on policy interventions for controlling hypertension and diabetes generally emanating from High-Income Countries, more studies are needed from Low-and-Middle-Income Country settings to inform policy and practice.
Study purpose: This study focuses on establishing the burden of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Ghana and explores the perspectives of relevant stakeholders on how they understand and are responding to the challenge of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Ghana.
Methods: Using a pragmatic policy approach, this paper presents a progress report on the analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease database and routine hospital data from the Ghana Health Service using Joinpoint tools; as well as key informant interview and focus group data from relevant stakeholders in the Ghanaian health system.
Expected outcome: Considering the fact that countries in sub-Saharan Africa share many social, economic and political characteristics, it is expected that this study will have useful lessons for hypertension and diabetes policy and practice beyond Ghana.