By Stephen Asante, GNA
Kumasi, Dec. 20, GNA - The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has joined the ‘Partnership for Healthy Cities,’ a global network of cities committed to saving lives by preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
NCDs are classified as diseases that are not transmissible directly from one person to another. They include strokes, cataracts, chronic kidney diseases and majority of cancers and diabetes.
They are responsible for more than 45 million deaths per year, or 80 per cent of all deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
NCDs and injuries are also responsible for eight in 10 deaths.
Mr Osei Assibey Antwi, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), told the Ghana News Agency that through the network, cities were committed to interventions to address the risk factors that caused NCDs and injuries.
They include implementing smoke-free laws, restricting sugary drinks and junk food advertising, and road safety campaigns.
The network, supported by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Vital Strategies, enables member cities around the world to deliver high-impact policy or pragmatic interventions to reduce NCDs and injuries.
“Improving public health requires bold leadership and the KMA is proud to be part of this prominent group of cities working to ensure longer and fuller lives for the people,” Mr Antwi said.
He said in line with efforts to meeting their target, the Assembly had the objective to work assiduously to reduce road accidents in Kumasi.
With over half of the world’s population now living in urban settings, the MCE said cities were uniquely placed to transform the fight against NCDs and injuries.
“Mayors and local leaders have the power to improve the health of their citizens and prepare cities to thrive in the 21st Century.”
GNA
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