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Volta Regional Health Director, Dr. Joseph Teye Nuertey has disclosed that apart from Malaria which is the most frequently diagnosed illness in the region, the most alarming diseases reported are hypertensive cases and sexually transmitted infections other than HIV/AIDS.

According to him, the hypertensive cases are common among the ages of 30 and above and are due to the lifestyle of young people in the country as they have resorted to alcohol drinking, wee-smoking, eating junk and processed foods.

In an exclusive interview with Peacefmonline.com, Dr. Joseph Teye Nuertey revealed that Ghanaians are living dangerously due to the kind of unhealthy lifestyle they have adopted as their eating and drinking habits are putting the future of this country into jeopardy.

Discussing what one needs to do to avert the possibility of getting stroke or afflicted by any cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle-induced illnesses, Dr. Joseph Teye Nuertey cautioned Ghanaians to avoid all processed foods and shun the excessive alcohol consumption and engage in regular exercise.

He again cautioned the youth to quit smoking wee and other substances which are harmful to their health.

He, however, commended the people of the Volta region for observing good sanitation practices, resulting in the decline in Malaria cases in the region, saying "sanitation awareness in the region has gone down well" with the people.

Mentioning some of his achievements as the Regional Health Director, Dr Joseph Teye Nuertey disclosed that his five years in office helped in the preparation for the take off of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho.

He stressed that his administration also facilitated in the construction and other facilities needed to kick start the University of Health and Allied Sciences.

"The Ho Leprosarium was converted to a Polyclinic after the disease was virtually eradicated in the region," he added.

He disclosed that plans are far advanced to also turn the Regional medical facility into a Teaching Hospital.

Touching on the major health challenges in the area, Dr. Joseph Teye Nuertey pointed to the reluctance of some nurses and doctors to move to remote areas to practice.

"....another challenge the health sector is facing has to do with health financing as there is no regular in-flow of cash from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to facilitate the operations of the hospitals," he disclosed.