The Ghana Public Health Association (GPHA), in collaboration with the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Action (CAPHA), has conducted a comprehensive training for media professionals on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the risk factors driving their increasing prevalence in Ghana.
The workshop provided journalists and media practitioners with in-depth insights into major NCDs, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions affecting the country. It aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to educate the public on preventive measures and promote healthier lifestyles.
Mr. James McKeown Amoah, Project Lead for NCDs at GPHA, explained that the primary objective of the training was to position media professionals as key partners in the fight against NCDs. He highlighted the significant influence of the media in shaping public behavior through advertising and stressed that journalists have a crucial role in raising awareness about lifestyle choices that contribute to these diseases.
“The media plays a critical role in the advertisement of products consumed by the public. By providing accurate information about the risks associated with unhealthy diets and lifestyles, media professionals can help reduce the prevalence of NCDs in Ghana,” Mr. Amoah stated. He further noted that the consumption of sugary, salty, and fatty foods, along with tobacco and alcohol, significantly contributes to the rise of NCDs in the country.
Dr. Charles Apprey, a Nutritional Biochemist and Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), emphasized the need for media practitioners to advocate for stronger government regulations on the advertisement of harmful food products. He highlighted that children are particularly vulnerable to persuasive marketing and that without proper regulation, they are at risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases from an early age.
“It is imperative that the media partners with GPHA and CAPHA in the fight against NCDs, particularly in supporting the enforcement of laws and policies aimed at regulating the advertisement of products that harm public health. Public education and legislative action must work hand in hand to protect children and the wider population,” Dr. Apprey stated.
The training concluded with a call to action for media professionals to leverage their platforms in educating the public about NCDs and advocating for the adoption of healthier lifestyles. Participants were encouraged to act not only as informers but also as advocates for policy implementation, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement in reducing the burden of chronic diseases in Ghana.
Through this initiative, GPHA and CAPHA aim to foster a more informed society, where the public is empowered to make healthier choices, ultimately curbing the rising incidence of NCDs and improving overall national health outcomes.
