Site Logo
Site Logo
Site Logo
Site Logo
Site Logo

Category: Health

  • Ghana Launches Nationwide Diabetes Education Program in Schools

    Ghana Launches Nationwide Diabetes Education Program in Schools

    Ghana launches “Kids and Diabetes in Schools” program to educate students about diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles.

    The Ministry of Health and Ghana Education Service have partnered with pharmaceutical company Sanofi to launch the “Kids and Diabetes in Schools” (KiDS) program, aiming to educate schoolchildren, teachers, and parents about diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles. This initiative seeks to curb the rising cases of childhood diabetes in Ghana.

    The program has three main objectives: to support children with type 1 diabetes in managing their condition confidently, to reduce stigma and discrimination in schools, and to prevent type 2 diabetes through education on healthy diets and lifestyles.

    The program will start in 13 public schools, with teaching materials adapted to suit the Ghanaian context. Teacher training workshops will be conducted to facilitate seamless integration into the curriculum, beginning with the Greater Accra Region. The Ministry of Health has officially handed over the program to the Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education for nationwide implementation.

    Sanofi has trained 35 teachers to lead diabetes awareness efforts in schools and has supported Ghana’s diabetes response since 2023 by distributing national guidelines, donating equipment to four health facilities, mentoring 160 general practitioners, and enrolling over 240 healthcare professionals in international diabetes training.

    The KiDS program is expected to reach approximately 7,700 children, parents, and teachers with educational materials. By promoting awareness and education, the initiative aims to reduce the risks associated with diabetes and improve the overall health of Ghana’s youth.

    The program was launched on June 24, 2025, at the Ministry of Health, with officials from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Education Service, and representatives of Sanofi in attendance. The initiative is part of a wider national strategy to promote early education on non-communicable diseases and improve access to healthcare in areas where services remain limited.

  • University of Ghana Sounds Alarm on COVID-19 Resurgence

    University of Ghana Sounds Alarm on COVID-19 Resurgence

    The University of Ghana Health Services Directorate has issued a warning about a recent surge in COVID-19 cases on the Legon campus, with both suspected and confirmed cases reported within the university community. To prevent a potential outbreak, the Directorate has outlined several preventive measures.

    These measures include wearing face masks in enclosed or crowded spaces, regular handwashing or use of alcohol-based sanitisers, maintaining a physical distance of at least one metre, and ensuring proper ventilation in offices and lecture halls. Additionally, individuals are advised to avoid large gatherings where possible and remain at home if they experience flu-like symptoms.

    According to the Directorate, “The Health Services Directorate has reactivated its COVID-19 Response Protocols, including screening and triage at our health facilities. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates.”

    The university authorities are encouraging members of the campus community to cooperate with health personnel and adhere strictly to all safety protocols in a collective effort to protect public health. “Anyone experiencing symptoms or seeking more information is advised to contact the University Hospital at Legon,” the statement added.

    Screenshot
  • Government Pledges to Boost Blood Safety and Availability

    Government Pledges to Boost Blood Safety and Availability

    The Minister for Health has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing blood safety and availability as part of its healthcare reforms under the Mahama Cares initiative.

    The Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing blood safety and availability as part of its healthcare reforms under the Mahama Cares initiative. Speaking at the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day 2025, which had the global theme “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives,” Mr. Akandoh emphasized the importance of ensuring that no life is lost due to blood shortages.

    The Minister revealed that measures are being explored to reduce the financial burden on patients, including the potential removal of blood processing fees. He urged all Ghanaians aged 17 to 60 to donate blood regularly and encouraged public and private institutions to organize at least two blood drives annually.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service, Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, noted that Ghana collected 187,280 units of blood in 2024, representing 99% of its national target. Over 45,000 units were processed into blood components to meet the growing demand for safe and timely transfusions. However, Dr. Owusu-Ofori highlighted persistent challenges, including limited donation infrastructure, inadequate mobile collection vans, and funding gaps for a digital Blood Information Management System.

    Dr. Owusu-Ofori advocated for the establishment of Regional Blood Centres across the country and the implementation of a sustainable, fully funded National Blood Donor Programme. As part of the celebrations, nationwide blood drives, public education campaigns, and media outreach activities will be held to encourage regular donations and raise awareness. The Minister and Dr. Owusu-Ofori called for increased public participation, particularly among the youth, to celebrate the life-saving contributions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors across the country.

  • Broken Heart Syndrome Kills Men at Twice the Rate of Women

    Broken Heart Syndrome Kills Men at Twice the Rate of Women

    Men die from broken heart syndrome at twice the rate of women, with an 11% mortality rate compared to 5.5% for women.

    Image courtesy: Facebook, Science Explorist.

    Men are dying from broken heart syndrome, a condition triggered by extreme physical or emotional stress, at more than twice the rate of women, according to a University of Arizona study. This alarming trend highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the condition, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

    While women are more likely to develop broken heart syndrome, men have a significantly higher mortality rate, with approximately 11% dying from the condition compared to 5.5% of women. The study suggests that men often develop the condition after physical stress, such as surgery or infection, which may contribute to the higher mortality rate.

    Broken heart syndrome can be triggered by a range of factors, including emotional events like the loss of a loved one or a breakup, physical stress like serious illness, and sudden shocks like a car accident or extreme fear. In rare cases, even positive stress, such as winning the lottery or a surprise party, can trigger the condition.

    The symptoms of broken heart syndrome can be similar to those of a heart attack, making prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial. Early recognition and intervention can help reduce the risk of complications, including heart failure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.

    Raising awareness about broken heart syndrome and its triggers is crucial to preventing unnecessary deaths and complications, especially among men, who are disproportionately affected by this condition. Early recognition and education can help save lives.

    http://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.037219

  • Western Region: MoFA Imposes temporary Fishing Ban in Ellembelle After Deadly Fish Disease Detected

    Western Region: MoFA Imposes temporary Fishing Ban in Ellembelle After Deadly Fish Disease Detected

    The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has confirmed an outbreak of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) in the Ellembelle District of Ghana’s Western Region. The disease was first detected on January 12, 2025, after reports of unusual fish deaths in Kambungli.

    According to the Ministry, EUS is a severe transboundary disease recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). It is caused by the pathogen Aphanomyces invadans sp. and presents as skin ulcers and lesions. Several wild freshwater fish species have been affected, including catfish and snakehead.

    A team of experts from multiple institutions was deployed to investigate and contain the outbreak. The institutions include the Fish Health Unit of the Fisheries Commission, Water Research Institute (WRI), Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Emed Diagnostic Services, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP).

    Histopathological and PCR testing methods confirmed the presence of the disease, with 80% of tested samples returning positive results.

    To contain the outbreak, the Ministry has imposed a temporary fishing ban on the Ebi, Amanzule, and Fia rivers within the Ellembelle District. The movement of live fish from affected areas is restricted, and infected fish are being disposed of through burning or incineration.

    Xerox-Scan_04062025104925Download

Powered by
►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Powered by