Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of the World Health Organization's Department for Social Determinants of Health, has called upon Ghana to shift its focus towards preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) rather than solely relying on curative measures. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the Partnership for Healthy City Summit in Cape Town, Dr. Krug emphasized the importance of investing in Preventive Measures, citing their cost-effectiveness and potential to yield significant benefits.

While acknowledging the necessity of curative healthcare, Dr. Krug highlighted the prohibitive costs associated with treatment and the potential to mitigate these expenses through preventive interventions. He stressed the effectiveness of Ncd Prevention strategies, noting that every dollar invested in preventive measures could potentially result in seven times the impact.

Dr. Krug outlined several preventive measures that could be implemented, including increasing taxes on tobacco, reducing advertising of processed and sugary drinks, and promoting healthy food options in schools. He underscored the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of NCDs before they escalate, emphasizing the importance of government intervention and investment in preventive programs.

NCDs and injuries pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly in Africa, where the burden of chronic ailments is on the rise. Dr. Krug urged African governments to allocate funds from their national budgets towards NCD prevention, emphasizing the importance of reducing the need for costly treatment through early intervention and prevention efforts.

Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Dr. Krug pointed out that NCDs are responsible for 80% of deaths worldwide. He emphasized the need for collective action and investment in NCD prevention, particularly in urban areas where the majority of the world's population resides.

In related efforts to combat lifestyle diseases, the Ugandan government recently directed civil servants to allocate two hours each week for physical activity to promote health and reduce disease burden. Additionally, cities like Lusaka, Zambia, and Bangkok, Thailand, are implementing policies and infrastructure improvements to encourage active mobility and promote healthier lifestyles among their residents.