AMA joins NCDs fight

The Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, has announced that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has joined a worldwide effort to create healthier cities by pursuing specific policies to reduce noncommunicable diseases and injuries by 2018.

A statement issued by the AMA Chief on Tuesday May 16 said: “As a participant in the Partnership for Healthy Cities, Accra is committing to take proven steps to reduce risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and injuries and improve environments in which people live, work and play.”

The statement added that the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) who is also a former Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg is engaging city leaders to beat NCDs and injuries with smart, proven policies that will advance health and strengthen economies.

NCDs including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and injuries caused by road-traffic crashes are the often-ignored killers of 44 million people globally each year, according to the statement.

“In Ghana, 54 percent of deaths every year are attributable to noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

“We must take bold steps to help our citizens live healthier, longer lives and reduce the economic toll these NCDs and injuries take on our city. I am pleased to join Mayor Bloomberg in this global effort and believe it will allow Accra to lead by example, promoting change in both our communities and around the world.”

In low- and middle-income countries, NCDs account for 67 percent of deaths, but only one percent of health funding addresses them. With the majority of the world’s population now living in urban settings, cities are uniquely positioned to transform the fight against diseases and injuries by implementing policies to significantly reduce exposure to risk factors.

The statement further quoted Mr Bloomberg as saying: “Injuries and noncommunicable diseases are responsible for eight in 10 deaths globally, but small changes at community levels can save many of those lives.

“The Partnership for Healthy Cities brings immediate support to cities whose mayors are committed to healthier lives for their citizens and to leading the charge globally to reduce NCDs and injuries. The actions of these mayors can prevent millions of needless deaths and protect the health of generations to come.”

Over the next 18 months, Accra will work with Bloomberg Philanthropies and implementing partners to pursue an intervention aimed at reducing a specific NCD or injury. To support their efforts, participating cities will receive technical assistance as needed. As part of the Partnership, Accra has access to a global network of mayors and the WHO Healthy Cities networks, which will improve collaboration and the sharing of good practices and lessons learned.