Noncommunicable diseases are often dubbed “silent killers” because they lack symptoms — not least hypertension, which claims more than 9.4 million lives globally every year.
The prevalence of high blood pressure is now higher in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Yet many people still lack access to screening facilities and are often simply not aware their blood pressure is too high.
In Ghana, where around one in four people are estimated to suffer from hypertension, a community-based hypertension project known as ComHIP operates in a district in the eastern region of the country. Launched in October 2015 as the result of a partnership between the Novartis Foundation, FHI 360, the Ghana Health Service, VOTO Mobile and other local organizations, the project aims to increase access to screening facilities, streamline communication between health providers and empower patients to manage their own hypertension by leading healthier lifestyles.
Devex traveled to Ghana to learn how health workers and physicians are being enabled to share information, how patients are being helped to self-manage their condition, and what lessons have been learned about using digital health tools in remote areas.
Wired for Impact is an online conversation with Novartis Foundation and Devex to explore how to integrate digital health into global development in a way that is scalable and sustainable, and improves the overall quality of health care delivery to build essential connections between patients, health facilities, health providers and policymakers. Tag #Wired4Impact and @Devex to join the conversation.
About the authors
Naomi Mihara
Naomi Mihara is an Associate Editor for Devex, working on creative and audiovisual projects. She has a background in journalism and international development, having previously served as an assistant correspondent for Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun and as a communications officer for the International Organization for Migration in Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University.
Helen Morgan
Helen Morgan is a journalist and editor, primarily focusing on climate change, migration, humanitarian crises, and human rights. She was previously an Associate Editor at Devex, where she managed the op-eds section and led a project covering climate resilience in small island developing states. Helen was also features editor at World Politics Review, and editor and writer at the environmental think tank WRI, as well as editing for The New Humanitarian. She lives and works in Barcelona, Spain.
Richard Jones@richard_devex
In his role as Editorial Director Richard oversees content for digital series, reports and events, leading a talented team of writers and editors, conducting high-level video interviews and moderating panels at events. Previously partnerships editor and an associate editor at Devex, Richard brings to bear 15 years of experience as an editor in institutional communications, public affairs and international development. Based in Barcelona, his development experience includes stints in the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Ecuador, as well as extensive work travel in Africa and Asia.