By: Ruth Boateng
The President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG), Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, has raised concern over the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among children and adolescents, noting that such conditions are no longer limited to adulthood.
Speaking at the Society’s Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) in Koforidua, Dr. Boye revealed that NCDs currently affect more than 2.1 billion children globally, causing nearly one million deaths each year among people under 20. She emphasized that these diseases also contribute significantly to disability and long-term health complications.
This year’s AGSM, which convened pediatricians, nurses, policymakers, development partners, and traditional and religious leaders, was held under the theme: “Leaving No Child Behind: Advancing Equitable Healthcare for Children and Adolescents with Non-Communicable Diseases.”
In her welcome address, Dr. Boye stated that NCDs account for about 39 percent of deaths, driven largely by conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses and mental health disorders. She stressed that the role of pediatricians and child health professionals extends beyond clinical practice, urging them to address the structural and systemic inequalities that place many children with NCDs at a disadvantage.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Director, Dr. Fiona Braka, also addressed participants. She noted that families caring for children with NCDs often face significant financial strain, disrupted schooling and long-term social and economic hardship. Dr. Braka emphasized that most childhood and adolescent NCDs are preventable, manageable and treatable when health systems are strong, inclusive and equity-driven. She outlined priority recommendations from WHO that she believes are essential for Ghana’s efforts in combating NCDs.
Development partners including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Ghana Health Service (GHS), UNICEF, and Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) called for a coordinated national response to address environmental risk factors—particularly pollution associated with illegal mining (galamsey). They also advocated for policies that strengthen public awareness and support initiatives aimed at improving child health outcomes.
The event concluded with the presentation of citations to PSG members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to child healthcare in Ghana.
