The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, has voiced serious concerns about the rising number of children being diagnosed with chronic diseases in Ghana. She highlighted alarming trends in childhood illnesses, particularly cancers, after observing patients at various health facilities.
Madam Darko-Opoku noted that conditions previously associated with older adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, are now increasingly affecting young people. Her interactions with children undergoing treatment in oncology centers, like the one at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, underscore the severity of this public health issue.
This worrying development fits into a broader national health challenge. The World Health Organisation reports that non-communicable diseases contribute to about 43% of deaths in Ghana. Health professionals have previously warned about the increasing rates of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer in younger populations across the country.
Madam Darko-Opoku stated that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund aims to address the growing burden of these diseases. The fund provides support for treatments that go beyond the coverage offered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). She added that the fund also backs medical research, infrastructure development, and specialist training to improve care for those with chronic illnesses.
The rising incidence of chronic diseases in children points to a need for more robust interventions in specialised healthcare. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is actively working to enhance treatment accessibility and research capabilities. Future efforts will focus on expanding cancer treatment centers and ensuring adequate specialist training to combat these growing health threats.