With inadequate medical services and supplies it critically important for various government entities and the respective health institutions to embark on health education and disease prevention. This would not only save billions of dollars each year, but would translate into saving many lives that represent the work force these developing countries.
Life expectancy in most developing countries, including some African countries, is on a dramatic decline in the last two to three decades. It ranges between 20-60 years old in most Sub-Saharan countries, with the majority of the populations living up to 30-60 years old. Compared to the previous two to three decades where life expectancies were in the 70-90 years range. It is the vision of African Neighborhoods and Medical Missions, Inc. USA and Good Samaritan Medical and Rehabilitation Missions, a subsidiary in Ghana to emphasize and focus on health awareness, disease prevention through education and research, with the goal of improving the quality of life by greatly improving the life expectancies. There are many factors leading to premature deaths including HIV/AIDS, Hypertension (High blood pressure), Diabetes, poor nutrition, obesity which sadly is not seriously considered a disease which is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is increasing and therefore, the rise in cardiovascular diseases such as sudden deaths, stroke, and heart attacks. In fact, diseases that only three decades ago were not common in the African communities whereas it was very common in the western countries are now becoming common in Ghana and other countries. Unless the rapid decline in life expectancy is stopped, a time is coming that countries may have to import labor force from abroad.
There has also been a rise in the cancer cases, again very uncommon 20-30 years ago but are now increasing. This is possibly due in part to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals that in turn contaminate the food chain, namely life stock, vegetation, drinking water, food, and vegetables. Therefore, more education to the farmers as well as the general public is essential. In addition, there has been illegal mining that also uses chemicals, that is not controlled by the local authorities again leading to contamination of drinking water. Unless these practices are taken seriously and stopped by the various governments, the citizens of these nations would experience a rise in cancer cases multiplying and unfortunately many people would die prematurely. Hence, the vision of African Neighborhoods and Medical Missions, Inc. USA and Good Samaritan Medical and Rehabilitation Missions to research and educate the populations in disease prevention. For example, most people do not see the need to go for once a year annual routine doctor’s check-up. This NGO routinely organizes free health screening and medicines to the local communities to help improve their health, prevent premature deaths and overall improve their quality of lives.