Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC), has called for urgent action to address cardiovascular diseases (CVD) during the press launch of World Heart Day 2024. Throughout the month of September, various activities have taken place in Ghana to raise awareness about CVD, a leading cause of death globally, claiming over 20.5 million lives each year—most of them in low- and middle-income countries.
In his speech, Dr. Entsua-Mensah stressed that while the statistics are alarming, there is hope. He highlighted that 80% of premature deaths from CVD can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes, such as healthier diets, regular physical activity, and stress management.
World Heart Day, first established in 2000 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has grown into a global platform to raise awareness, advocate for access to care, and encourage heart health globally. This year’s celebration, under the theme “Use Heart for Action,” emphasizes the need for deliberate efforts and policies to tackle cardiovascular health challenges.
Dr. Entsua-Mensah noted that CVD is not just an adult problem; children also suffer from congenital and acquired heart diseases. He lamented the lack of attention given to children in cardiovascular awareness campaigns and emphasized the importance of early detection and education on healthy lifestyle habits from a young age.
The NCTC, in partnership with the Department of Child Health, has conducted cardiovascular screenings in selected basic schools as part of this year’s celebration, aiming to expand their efforts to improve access to treatment for children in the future.
With the theme “Use Heart for Action” spanning from 2024 to 2026, Dr. Entsua-Mensah called for collective efforts to advocate for policy changes, enhance public awareness, and encourage individuals to take charge of their heart health. He also pointed out the need for better acute care services and more ambulances to reduce CVD-related deaths in Ghana.
