TheHealthReport25: Prioritising wellness and preventive health: The key to a healthier Ghana

### Understanding Preventive Health

Preventive health aims to reduce disease risk before it occurs. This includes lifestyle changes, regular screenings, vaccinations, and public health initiatives. Choosing prevention over cure improves quality of life and saves costs for individuals and the nation.

### The Role of Wellness in Healthcare

Wellness is more than just being free from illness. It involves actively pursuing a balanced and fulfilling life. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and routine check-ups lower chronic disease risks.

Mental well-being is also vital. Stress management and emotional support help prevent anxiety and depression. When families prioritize wellness, they create healthier home environments.

In Ghana, preventable diseases strain healthcare facilities. Emphasizing wellness can ease this burden. Corporate wellness programs and community health education will lead to a healthier population.

### Insights from Corporate Wellness Programs in Ghana

At the Ghana Employers Association's Occupational Safety & Health Conference 2024, I spoke about corporate wellness programs in Ghana. We surveyed 96 respondents from various industries like agriculture, mining, and telecommunications.

The survey revealed:

- 80.2% of companies require pre-employment medicals.
- 62.5% offer annual wellness medicals.
- Only 32.3% provide mental health support or CPR training.
- 54.2% conduct health education sessions.
- 38.5% organize team bonding activities.
- Alarmingly, 9.4% offer no wellness services at all.

These statistics show that while many workplaces have some wellness programs, there is room for improvement—especially in mental health support.

### Key Preventive Health Strategies

Preventive strategies are crucial for reducing disease burden and improving well-being. A study published by PLOS Global Public Health in 2024 found that:

- 23.1% of Ghanaian adults are overweight.
- 13.3% are obese.

Another study by the Global Nutrition Report in 2021 showed limited progress on diet-related Non-Communicable Disease targets in Ghana.

In August 2024, the National Health Insurance Authority launched a "Free Annual Health Checkup" program for citizens aged 18 and above. However, questions remain about its effectiveness and coverage.

Several clinics across the country offer wellness packages to promote proactive health measures. We must raise awareness to encourage healthy behaviors among the public.

Workplace wellness programs that include fitness initiatives can improve employee productivity significantly.

### The Economic Benefits of Preventive Health

Investing in preventive healthcare reduces economic burdens on individuals and employers alike. Treating chronic diseases is much costlier than preventing them.

According to the World Bank, Ghana loses over $200 million annually due to productivity losses from preventable illnesses. The government should prioritize policies supporting preventive healthcare for a healthier workforce.

### Conclusion

A prosperous Ghana requires a strong primary healthcare system as a foundation. By prioritizing regular check-ups and healthy lifestyles, we can reduce chronic diseases' prevalence.

Policymakers must strengthen primary healthcare to ensure more professionals deliver quality preventive care at local levels. This will lead to healthier communities with less strain on hospitals.

As I always say: prevention is not just better than cure; prevention is the cure itself! If we do not act now, we may soon face overwhelming challenges ahead.

### About the Author

Samuel Agyekum is a healthcare business consultant focused on wellness initiatives in corporate settings. He serves as Occupational Health Manager at Rabito Clinic and CEO of Prevenza Health Consult and Foundation.