Ghana has joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Heart Day 2025, with the Ministry of Health leading national activities under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat.” The global observance seeks to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), promote prevention, and encourage early detection and effective management.
Cardiovascular diseases remain the world’s biggest killer, claiming 20.5 million lives annually, with about 75% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Ghana, CVDs are the leading cause of death among both men and women, a situation health officials say is worsened by late diagnoses and preventable complications.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Ministry highlighted that 80% of premature heart disease deaths can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes such as eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing salt and processed food intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, monitoring blood pressure, and adhering to prescribed medications.
The Ministry also pointed to government-led interventions aimed at tackling the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Key among these are the National NCD Policy 2022, which focuses on reducing risk factors and strengthening early detection, as well as flagship initiatives like the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (popularly known as MahamaCares) and the Free Primary Health Care programme. These measures are designed to make evidence-based care more accessible and affordable across the country.
Officials have urged Ghanaians to take full advantage of these initiatives while calling on stakeholders to intensify sensitisation and screening activities, not just on World Heart Day but throughout the year.
“On World Heart Day 2025, let us collaboratively commit to actions that will help reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among the Ghanaian population and around the world,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement.
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