Efforts to strengthen Ghana’s response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have received a boost following the donation of essential information and communication technology equipment to the National Non-Communicable Diseases Programme of the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

The equipment was donated by the AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to support the Programme’s expanding technical operations, coordination and service delivery.

The donation includes HP laptops, a 3-in-1 desktop computer, a projector with screen and a conferencing device.

The support is expected to provide newly recruited staff and existing personnel with the tools required to coordinate interventions, undertake technical assignments and maintain effective communication with partners and other stakeholders.

SUPPORTING A GROWING NCD RESPONSE

The donation follows a request from the National NCD Programme as it expands its technical team and assigns dedicated focal persons to specific NCD conditions.

The move is particularly important as Ghana continues to grapple with a wide range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and sickle cell disease, among others.

Each of these conditions requires specialised technical leadership to coordinate interventions, monitor implementation, engage partners and ensure that critical areas of NCD management do not remain neglected.

Speaking during the presentation, Ms. Juliette Edzeame, Project Manager of the AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, said the decision to support the Programme was influenced by the strong working relationship between AYA and the National NCD Programme.

She explained that the Programme had identified the need for additional equipment to enable newly recruited personnel to effectively perform their responsibilities.

According to her, the partnership between AYA and the National NCD Programme spans several years, beginning with the Ghana Heart Initiative and continuing under the AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative.

Ms. Edzeame said providing the necessary working tools was therefore considered important to strengthening the Programme’s operations and supporting the effective implementation of the initiative.

EQUIPMENT TO STRENGTHEN TECHNICAL WORK

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Ghana Health Service and the National NCD Programme, Mr. Isaac Obeng Tandoh, who is responsible for Data, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Programme, expressed appreciation to AYA for responding to the Programme’s request.

He said the equipment would enable staff to carry out their routine responsibilities more efficiently.

Mr. Obeng Tandoh also assured the donor that the equipment would be properly maintained and used for its intended purpose.

He reaffirmed the Ghana Health Service’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with AYA as Ghana works to address the country's increasing NCD burden.

WHY THE SUPPORT MATTERS

NCDs are increasingly becoming a major public health concern, placing pressure on individuals, families and the health system.

Beyond treatment, tackling the challenge requires stronger prevention, early detection, screening, referral, data management and long-term care.

The availability of appropriate ICT tools can support health programmes to coordinate activities, manage information, monitor interventions, communicate with partners and make better use of data for decision-making.

For an expanding national programme dealing with multiple chronic conditions, strengthening the technical workforce with appropriate resources is therefore an important part of building a more responsive health system.

A 39-MONTH NATIONAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

The AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, launched in 2024, is a 39-month initiative focused on strengthening the prevention, early detection and management of NCDs in Ghana.

It builds on the gains made under the Ghana Heart Initiative and seeks to improve the quality and integration of NCD services across the health system.

The initiative also focuses on strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers, expanding access to essential medical equipment, improving screening and strengthening linkage to care for selected NCDs.

The latest ICT equipment donation therefore goes beyond the provision of computers and communication tools. It represents an investment in the people and systems responsible for coordinating Ghana’s national response to chronic diseases.

As the country's NCD burden continues to grow, strong partnerships, adequately resourced health workers and effective systems will be critical to ensuring that prevention and treatment reach the people who need them most.

Credit: Ghana Health Service (GHS), Public Relations Unit — information published August 11, 2026. The report acknowledges the support of the AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, implemented by GIZ.