Submission ID 118403
| Issue/Objective | Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), account for approximately 43% of annual deaths in Ghana, posing a growing challenge to health systems already burdened by resource constraints. In response, the World Health Organization developed the Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO-PEN) to support CVD management through integrated primary healthcare delivery. This study evaluates the implementation and efficacy of the WHO-PEN framework in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana, exploring systemic barriers and opportunities for strengthening governance, financing, and people-centered approaches. It aligns with the conference sub-theme on navigating governance, financing, collaboration, and trust in global health. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A qualitative research design was employed, involving cross-sectional surveys and semi-structured interviews. Data were collected from community members, healthcare workers, and policy stakeholders across selected hard-to-reach communities in Ghana. The study explored perceptions of CVD management, assessed implementation fidelity of WHO-PEN, and identified structural barriers impeding its success. |
| Results | Findings reveal that WHO-PEN implementation remains limited (unachieved) to significant financing gaps, inadequate human resource capacity, and limited engagement from governance actors. Although the Trainer of Trainees (TOT) model in some facilities showed potential for capacity-building, it lacked sustainability and contextual responsiveness. Communities reported limited access to affordable care and low trust in health systems, further exacerbating inequities. Despite these barriers, opportunities emerged for scaling interventions through locally led adaptation, improved intersectoral collaboration, and strengthened health system accountability. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The study highlights critical gaps in the implementation of the WHO-PEN framework for CVD management in Ghana's hard-to-reach communities. It underscores the urgent need for policy and programmatic reforms that prioritize equitable NCD care in underserved settings. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening governance structures, enhancing financing mechanisms, fostering multi-sectoral collaborations, and building trust among stakeholders. Integrating indigenous knowledge and promoting local leadership are essential for developing people-centered health policies and solutions. As global health faces a crossroads, this case exemplifies how navigating the intersection of governance, collaboration, and financing can inform scalable, context-driven solutions. The insights contribute to the broader discourse on advancing global health in a changing world, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies that ensure equitable healthcare access for all. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Nice Cailie Ineza Reach Alliance Kezia Asare Reach Alliance Hannah Pohmahmbuh Reach Alliance Nice Cailie Ineza Reach Alliance |
