Women Urged to Prioritize Well-being Amidst Rising Health Concerns

Kumasi, Ghana – Agnes Ampofo Agyei, a Midwife and the Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator at the Kumasi Metropolitan Health Directorate, has issued a strong call for women to proactively invest in their personal well-being. Speaking at the Women’s Day Celebration in Kumasi, organized by the Ashanti Regional Center for National Culture (CNC), Agyei highlighted that women, often shouldering significant societal roles, frequently neglect their own health, leading to preventable complications.

The ‘Silent Killer’ and Other Threats

The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Healthy Women, Stronger Workforce,’ underscored the critical link between women’s health and societal productivity. Agyei specifically addressed prevalent health issues such as hypertension and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), emphasizing their potential to severely impact women’s lives.

Hypertension, often termed a ‘silent killer,’ can trigger a cascade of other serious health conditions, potentially leading to fatal outcomes if left unmanaged. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hypertension as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.

Globally, the WHO estimated in 2024 that 1.4 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 live with hypertension, with a staggering 44 percent unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness makes public education and sensitization, particularly targeting women, crucial.

Proactive Health Measures for Women

Agyei stressed that hypertension is typically diagnosed only through regular health checks. This means individuals can live with the condition unknowingly for extended periods, only discovering it when more complex health issues like stroke, diabetes, or vision problems arise.

To combat this, she urged women to make it a habit to visit health facilities for free blood pressure checks. This simple act can be the first step in early detection and management.

Beyond medical checks, Agyei advocated for the adoption of regular exercise as a cost-effective way to maintain physical health. She encouraged women to be mindful of their dietary choices, prioritizing nutritional content over mere taste.