Accra: The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) has received a donation of 20 desktop computers from the World Health Organization (WHO) to bolster data management efforts in monitoring Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across selected health facilities.

According to Ghana News Agency, the computers are intended to aid CHAG’s D’CARD project, which focuses on reducing the prevalence of NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Peter Yeboah, the Executive Director of CHAG, presented the computers in Accra, highlighting that this initiative is part of WHO’s collaboration with CHAG to strengthen Ghana’s health system against NCDs, which are now significant contributors to illness and death.

Dr. Yeboah emphasized that the computers will be pivotal in documenting various patient-related data, including screening results, diagnoses, care information, routine visits, and treatment records at the facility level. These computers are equipped with an E-Tracker tool that facilitates data collection and integrates with the Ghana Health Service’s District Health Information Management System (DHIMS).

He noted that NCDs affect individuals across different demographics and regions, and the effective use of these computers will help streamline the provision of quality care. Dr. Yeboah also encouraged the beneficiary institutions to maximize the potential of these resources to improve patient care and reiterated CHAG’s dedication to expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved areas, aligning with the goal of Universal Health Coverage.

The beneficiary facilities include Methodist Medical Centre in Adum, St. Patrick’s Catholic Hospital in Offinso, Global Evangelical Mission Hospital in Apromase, Rev. Walker Mission Hospital in Kokobra, St. Anthony Ann Catholic Hospital in Donyina, St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nkoranza, St. Mathias Catholic Hospital in Yeji, and the Catholic Hospital, among others.

Since 2024, these facilities have been actively engaged in searching, screening, and managing cases of hypertension and diabetes within their respective regions. CHAG, established in 1967, is a network of over 300 faith-based health institutions that work to complement government efforts in delivering healthcare, especially in hard-to-reach communities.