Financing and Prioritizing Diabetes and Other Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana: A Qualitative Policy Analysis of the Barriers, Enablers and Opportunities

Abstract

Diabetes and other chronic NCDs pose a major public health threat in Ghana, and where health systems are less developed and there are numerous competing societal priorities. This qualitative study examines the barriers hindering domestic financing and prioritization of diabetes and other NCDs in Ghana. The study applied Kingdon’s multiple stream framework using document reviews and face-to-face interviews with 29 key informants/stakeholders in the diabetes or NCD landscape in Ghana. Data from the document review and key informant interviews were thematically analyzed. The study revealed that at the problem stream level, diabetes and other NCDs are not yet sufficiently perceived by the general population and policy makers as major societal issues. Donors are also focusing on different health priorities. On the policy solution stream, many solutions are being initiated and developed by a rich array of policy entrepreneurs. The recent introduction of an excise tax bill on sugar-sweetened, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products suggests positive developments in the politics stream. The health financing system is advanced institutionally, and the country could rapidly convert a higher prioritization of diabetes into resource allocation if the macro-fiscal context permits it. The study concludes that applying Kingdon’s framework provides a nuanced understanding of the barriers, enablers, and opportunities for prioritizing NCDs in Ghana, and finds that policy prioritization will require political commitment from the upper echelon of government. Higher public awareness on the determinants and costs of NCDs would contribute to broad citizen support and the sustainability of the political commitment across successive governments.