The launch of the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) initiative by John Dramani Mahama marks a major step toward preventive healthcare in Ghana. With a focus on annual screenings, the policy is designed to address one of the country’s most pressing health challenges—non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
While the initiative has been widely welcomed, health experts say a critical gap remains. Current guidelines for adults under the FPHC programme include key checks such as blood glucose testing and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment—but these do not extend to younger populations, leaving children and adolescents outside this preventive framework.
Concerns are growing over what some describe as a “neglected minority” within the health system, particularly in light of rising childhood obesity and early-onset diabetes.
A growing but overlooked health threat
Although diabetes is often associated with adults, emerging data suggest a different picture in Ghana.
Childhood diabetes accounts for an estimated 5% of all cases nationwide. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which develops gradually, Type 1 diabetes in children can escalate rapidly and become life-threatening without early diagnosis.
At the same time, obesity among children and adolescents is rising sharply. Among boys aged 5 to 19, rates have climbed from just over 2% to nearly 9% in recent decades. For girls, the increase is even more pronounced—rising from about 2% to more than 15%.
Health professionals warn that the highest risk period for developing obesity is now between ages 5 and 9, making early childhood a critical window for intervention.
The risks of delayed detection
Experts caution that excluding children from routine BMI and glucose screening could have serious long-term consequences.
Without early testing, many cases of Type 1 diabetes are only diagnosed at advanced stages, sometimes during life-threatening complications such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Childhood obesity is also increasingly linked to early-onset hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. By the time affected individuals reach adulthood—when they become eligible for FPHC screenings—some may already have developed irreversible health complications.
Beyond the health risks, there are broader economic and social implications. Treating advanced conditions such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and vision impairment places a far greater burden on the healthcare system than early prevention.
There are also concerns about the impact on education and productivity. Children struggling with obesity or undiagnosed diabetes are more likely to miss school and face challenges with concentration and cognitive performance.
Calls for a more inclusive approach
While the FPHC initiative is seen as a strong foundation for improving public health, stakeholders are urging policymakers to expand its scope.
There are growing calls on the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to include mandatory annual BMI and blood glucose screenings for children aged 5 to 18.
Advocates argue that early detection is key—not only to managing disease but to preventing it altogether. Expanding the programme to cover younger age groups, they say, would strengthen Ghana’s shift toward preventive care and help secure healthier outcomes for future generations.