Overview

In Ghana, community pharmacies serve as the frontline of healthcare, yet a critical opportunity is being missed.. When pharmacies screen patients for hypertension, the process often ends with an informal "you should see a doctor" – without proper documentation or follow-up. This gap in care has devastating consequences: by the time urban patients receive a diagnosis, nearly half already show organ damage. The numbers tell a stark story: in 2016 alone, hypertension claimed 94,000 Ghanaian lives. What makes this especially tragic is that hypertension is one of the most modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular, brain, and kidney disease. In response to this challenge, Movement Health is working with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana and the Ministry of Health to build upon the existing digital solution e-Pharmacy Platform. 

Why Hypertension Demands Urgent Action in Ghana

The last decade has revealed a troubling trend in Ghana's cardiovascular health:

• Rising Disease Burden: Between 2011 and 2021, CVD cases climbed from 4,463 to 4,704 per 100,000 people (IHME, 2024). While that might seem like a modest increase, it represents thousands of additional patients needing care.
• Hidden Crisis: Around 70% of Ghanaians living with cardiovascular conditions don't know they have them (Appiah et al., 2023). At Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, up to 60% of adult deaths are heart-related, with 19% of these patients having hypertension (Doku et al., 2024).
• Healthcare System Strain: Recent data from the National Harmonised Health Facility Assessment shows concerning gaps: only 30% of facilities offer ECG testing, and just 2% can perform blood gas measurements. Even more worrying, only 3% of facilities have all the essential items needed for cardiovascular care (Ghana Health Service, 2023)
• Economic Burden: The cost of treating advanced cardiovascular conditions far exceeds Ghana's daily minimum wage, creating a crushing financial burden for families and the national health system (Barrett & Hodgkinson, 2019).

A Data-Driven Solution for Community Health

We are partnering with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana through the National e-Pharmacy Platform (NEPP) to transform local pharmacies into smart healthcare hubs. The NEPP has already proven its value, processing over 250,000 prescriptions worth more than USD $4 million. The NEPP has established interoperability with the following digital health solutions in the Country:

• Private health insurance companies
• National Health Insurance Authority digital applications
• Ghana's Health Service Lightwave EMR system

Key Features:

• Smart Screening Protocol: Pharmacists record blood pressure readings directly in the system, with an embedded algorithm that assesses hypertension severity and triggers referrals when needed.
• Seamless Referral Network: High-risk patients are connected to nearby clinics with their complete digital health history.
• Real-Time Analytics: A comprehensive dashboard tracks community health trends, helping policymakers target resources effectively.
• Professional Development: Pharmacists earn CPD credits while expanding their role in preventive care.

The Impact We Envision: When pharmacies step up as frontline health centers, we catch problems earlier. Similar programs have proven that digital referrals boost screening rates, improve follow-through on care, and reduce emergency cardiovascular hospitalizations. For Ghana, this means fewer late-stage diagnoses, less strain on public hospitals, and—most importantly—more lives saved through early intervention.

The Opportunity for You

By supporting this initiative, you're not just addressing an urgent health need—you're positioning your organization at the forefront of health systems innovation:

• Support Primary Care: Early detection dramatically reduces costly late-stage treatments. Your investment promotes efficient health system solutions while improving outcomes.
• Stand Out as an Innovation Partner: Show your commitment to strengthening health systems in emerging markets by backing a digital solution with measurable impact.
• Reach New Communities: Ghana's trusted pharmacy network offers an ideal launch pad for health innovations. Partner with us to connect with a growing user base across urban and peri-urban areas.

How We Work Together

We believe in partnerships that deliver clear value and measurable results:

• Flexible Engagement: Whether you want to shape national healthcare policy or support specific project elements, we'll find the right partnership model for your goals.
• Clear Communication: Regular updates keep you informed about project milestones, impact metrics, and new opportunities.
• Smart Resource Use: By leveraging existing systems like NEPP and private insurance databases, we ensure your investment delivers maximum impact.

Your partnership directly contributes to saving lives and reshaping preventative care in Ghana.

Your Invitation to Impact

Hypertension's toll on Ghana demands action now. Through stronger, digitally-enabled community pharmacies, we can prevent life-threatening complications and offer hope to thousands.

Contact us to collaborate and learn more about how your support can help lead this health system transformation. Together, we can extend quality care to those who need it most and create a model for other nations facing similar challenges. Be part of this vital mission toward more accessible healthcare services around the world. e-Mail:merlewangerin@movement-health.org