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Anglogold Health Foundation records 340 chronic kidney diseases annually

By Nicholas Osei-Wusu

The Anglogold Ashanti Health Foundation, formerly AGC Hospital, the main referral hospital in the Adansi traditional area in the Ashanti region, has been recording about 340 cases of kidney diseases annually for sometime now.

The AGA Health Foundation is the main referral hospital in the entire Adansi traditional area which covers five administrative districts and Municipalities in the Ashanti region.

The figure constitutes about 20 percent of the facility’s yearly admissions thereby giving the Management a serious cause to worry about the prevalence of kidney diseases within its catchment area.

Incidentally, it is estimated that only one out of every 10 persons in the enclave is aware of his or her kidney health.

A Health Physician Specialist at the AGA Health Foundation, Dr. Suleimana Swabil disclosed this at Anyinam in the Obuasi Municipality at a Mini Clinic to mark this year’s ‘World Kidney Day’.

“Most often, we tend to forget them. But, kidneys’ role in maintaining is nothing short of extraordinary. Our kidneys help filter over 50 gallons of blood every single day. The kidneys work every second, every minute, every hour in 24 hours in seven days. It does this and removes toxins, it balances our body’s fluid.”

“In AGA Health Foundation, 2 out of 10 persons admitted to the medical wards have chronic kidney diseases, that is about 340 of our patients in a year, have one form of chronic kidney diseases. However, there’s good news. The good news is that when we go for regular screening, we watch our lifestyle, we reduce our alcohol intake, we reduce how often we take certain medications, especially pain killers, we exercise frequently, we eat a well balanced diet, we quit smoking, we avoid sedentary lifestyle, we take our health into our own hands are some of the ways of preventing kidney diseases”, the Physician Specialist advised.

The Mini Clinic was an improvised hospital brought to the doorstep of the people of Anyinam and the nearby communities in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti region.

It aimed at encouraging the people to check their health status while making primary healthcare easily accessible and affordable as it was provided at no monetary cost to them.

Even though the people were provided various care including eye, dental, X-ray, HIV and AIDS, with pharmaceutical services to cater for ailment such as malaria, the focus was on screening for kidney health.

This service, which was very well patronized by the health seekers, involved hypertension, blood sugar and urine analysis to determine the health status of the patrons’ kidneys with those diagnosed of the disease referred to the AGA Health Foundation for further treatment.

The Mini Clinic organized by Anglogold Ashanti in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, the Otumfuo Osei Tutu Foundation among other organizations.

The Superintendent, Stakeholder and Land Management of Anglogold Ashanti, Emmanuel Massey, reading an address on behalf of the Community Relations Manager, disclosed that, the Obuase Mine is committed to turning the catchment communities into healthy and thriving ones with impactful health programmes, policies and projects.

“At Anglogold Ashanti, our purpose is to mine to empower people and advance societies. One way we contribute to this mission is through the initiatives under our 10-year socio-economic development plan, which seeks to among other things, improves access to quality healthcare services and delivery within our host communities”, he said.

An Assistant Director at the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Henry Yeboah, citing the untimely death of his former schoolmate from kidney failure, advised the people to take their health serious and seek periodic checkup for early detection of problems.

First commemorated in 2006, World Kidney Day, as a joint initiative of the International Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation, is a global health awareness campaign that causes public education about the importance of kidney health, the causes of kidney diseases, impacts on the individual, families and society as well as preventive measures.

It is commemorated on the 2nd Thursday of March every year with this year’s focusing on “Are Your Kidneys Okay?-Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”

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Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia at highest level in over 25 years

A new report from global health authorities has warned about the rise of measles after a high number of cases in 2024.

Europe saw the highest number of measles cases in more than 25 years in 2024, with more than 120,000 cases reported in the region.

That figure was double the number of cases in 2023, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

Measles cases in the European region, which includes parts of Central Asia, have been “generally declining” in Europe since a peak in 1997 with 216,000 cases, WHO and UNICEF said. There was a low of 4,440 cases in 2016.

UNICEF said that about 40 per cent of measles infections in Europe and Central Asia were in children under 5 and that more than half of all people sickened by measles had to be hospitalised.

Measles is among the world’s most infectious diseases and is spread by an airborne virus.

Two doses of the measles vaccine are estimated to be 97 per cent effective in preventing the disease, which typically infects the respiratory system and causes symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash.

In serious cases, measles can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, dehydration, and blindness.

“Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call,” Dr Hans Kluge, WHO’s Europe director, said in a statement. “Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security,” he added.

Romania had the most measles infections, at more than 30,000, followed by Kazakhstan, which reported 28,147 people with measles.

WHO and UNICEF noted that in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, fewer than 70 per cent and 50 per cent of children in those countries respectively have been vaccinated against measles for at least the past five years.

Importance of high levels of vaccination

Scientists estimate that more than 95 per cent of the population needs to be immunised to prevent outbreaks.

“Measles is pretty much completely vaccine-preventable. Two doses of the measles vaccines prevent infection, illness, and thus transmission,” said Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton in the UK.

“With a high global uptake, the world could eradicate this disease. However, measles is incredibly infectious, more so than for example the COVID-19 variants. With even slight declines in vaccine uptake, outbreaks are inevitable,” he added in a statement.

After a drop in immunisation coverage during the coronavirus pandemic, measles cases surged in 2023 and 2024, with vaccination rates in numerous countries still lower than what they were before COVID-19 hit.

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Nkwanta Health Directorate, Unilever Ghana, and Dental Association provide free dental screening in Breweniase

By Jones Anlimah

The Nkwanta Health Directorate, in partnership with Unilever Ghana Limited and the Ghana Dental Association, organized a free oral and dental screening exercise for residents of Breweniase in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region as part of activities marking this year’s World Oral Health Day.

This year’s celebration is under the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Mind,” emphasizing the link between good oral health and overall well-being. The campaign aims to raise awareness that maintaining proper dental hygiene contributes to better physical and mental health.

During the screening, more than 300 clients were attended to, with many presenting dental-related problems. Some had their teeth cleaned and polished, while others with more serious conditions were referred to the Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital for further treatment.

Dr. Julius Nii Darko Wellington, one of the lead dentists at the event, expressed appreciation for the collaboration. “We have attended to over 300 clients, most of whom presented with dental-related issues. We conducted cleaning and polishing for some, while others were referred to the Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital. We are grateful to Unilever Ghana and the Ghana Dental Association for their support,” he said.

As part of the initiative, Unilever Ghana distributed free Pepsodent toothpaste to all participants to encourage proper dental care.

The Nkwanta Health Directorate commended Unilever Ghana and the Ghana Dental Association for their contributions to promoting oral health awareness in the region, stressing the importance of preventive care in ensuring a healthier and happier community.

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Understanding Kidney Health: The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention

By : Emmanuel Oti Acheampong 

Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining a balance of essential minerals, and regulating blood pressure. Despite their importance, kidney disease is often overlooked until it reaches an advanced stage.

This year, World Kidney Day (March 13, 2025) is being observed under the theme “Kidney Health for All: Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.” 

This theme highlights the urgent need for better access to early diagnosis, quality treatment, and medication safety for individuals affected by kidney disease.

The Growing Burden of Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide. If left undetected and untreated, CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to sustain life. 

Alarmingly, CKD is projected to become the 5th leading cause of years of life lost by 2040, making it a silent but deadly health crisis.

Who Is at Risk?

Certain conditions significantly increase the risk of developing kidney disease. If you have any of the following, regular kidney check-ups are essential:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Obesity
• A Family History of Kidney Disease

Other risk factors include pregnancy-related kidney issues, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), kidney infections, frequent and untreated kidney stones, and exposure to environmental toxins. In lower-income countries, kidney disease is often linked to heat stress, snake bites, traditional medicines, and infections like hepatitis B, C, or HIV.

The Importance of Early Detection

The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chances of managing and slowing its progression. Simple, non-invasive tests can help identify kidney problems early, including:

 • Blood Pressure Check – High blood pressure is both a cause and consequence of kidney disease.

 • Body Mass Index (BMI) – Helps assess obesity, a key risk factor.

 • Urine Test (Albumin-Creatinine Ratio – UACR) – Detects protein in the urine, an early sign of kidney damage.

 • Blood Tests (eGFR & Serum Creatinine) – Measure kidney function and filtration rate.

The Need for Equitable Access to Care

This year’s World Kidney Day campaign focuses on making kidney care accessible to all. Many people, especially in low-income communities, struggle to get proper diagnosis and treatment due to financial constraints, lack of medical facilities, and limited awareness. 

Governments and healthcare institutions must integrate kidney health into routine medical care, ensuring that early detection, treatment, and medication safety are priorities.

Your kidneys work hard for you, take care of them! Early detection can save lives. Let’s work together to create a healthier future.

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Early Detection: The Lifeline Against Kidney Disease

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Health stakeholders meet in Tamale to track government promises

By Joyce Kantam Kolamong

Stakeholders in the health sector have convened in Tamale to dialogue, assess, and monitor the government’s promises on health highlighted in its electoral manifesto in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

Key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, health sector practitioners, advocacy groups, and the media, were present at the dialogue meeting. The event aimed to foster evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue to improve healthcare service delivery and ensure accountability.

The event witnessed expert presentations, breakout sessions, and consensus-building on methodologies for tracking healthcare commitments in the manifesto.

Executive Director of the STAR-Ghana Foundation, Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, emphasised the importance of collective action in tracking government commitments in the health sector. He noted that Ghana has reached a critical stage in its development, where economic crisis and extreme partisanship require a neutral, evidence-based assessment of government spending and policy implementation.

“They sold the manifestos to us as the contracts that they would sign with us when they are elected. So the elections have happened. What do we do next? Two options. One, we fold our hands and wait for the next four years. Or two, we get involved in the process to ensure that if there’s any corrections to be made as we move along, it’s done as early as possible and don’t happen only after the fact. Which is why Star Ghana and partners thought that it’s important after the engagement on the manifestos to see how we can collectively engage in the process of the implementation of the manifesto promises and other commitments that Ghana as a country has signed up to,” he explained.

A participant at the event, Dr. Yaa Nyarko Adjeso, from the Directorate of Community Relations and Outreach Programme at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, highlighted the importance of community involvement in monitoring government commitments.

She indicated, “We are having an exercise whereby we are looking at the promises of the government and looking at the indicators, whether truly those things can be achieved. And I believe that if truly what has been stated in the documents is being implemented, and with proper monitoring, I believe that as a country we’ll be able to have a better health system. Currently there are lapses here and there, but looking at the manifesto and going through, I believe that with the intention of building more facilities and making sure we have resources within the facilities in terms of staffing and other things, if this is done, then the health of the Ghanaian citizen will be improved.”

Dr. Adjeso emphasised that citizens should be watchdogs, utilise health facilities, and provide feedback to ensure improved health outcomes.

Portfolio Manager for Social Services at STAR-Ghana Foundation, Raymond Danso, outlined the strategy for monitoring government commitments in the health sector. He explained that the organisation has defined roles for monitoring health interventions, communicating observations to the government, and conducting advocacy and research to support policy implementation.

The dialogue meeting was organised at the behest of The STAR-Ghana Foundation, with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), as part of its Inclusive Elections & Accountable Governance in Ghana Project (Phase III).

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Early Detection: The Lifeline Against Kidney Disease

By: Joyce Kantam Kolamong

As the world marks World Kidney Day today, Ghana joins in emphasizing the critical role of early detection in preventing kidney disease progression. Kidney disease is a stealthy threat, often silent until its advanced stages, making timely detection vital for effective treatment and management.

Our Northern regional correspondent, Joyce Kantam Kolamong, shares the inspiring story of a man who dodged the bullet of chronic kidney disease thanks to early detection. This heartening account underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive healthcare

REPORT

Meet Francis Alhassan ( not his real first name), a 41-year-old  teacher from Pong-Tamale in the Savelugu Municipality of the Northern Region. Francis teaches at one of the public basic schools at Pong Tamale. The father of two,  was diagnosed with kidney disease a year ago. A blow that left him devastated, disoriented and mentally sick until he took his health  into His own hands. His unfolding story highlights the importance of early detection and the consequences of delayed diagnosis.

“I was feeling tired all the time, and my ankles were always swollen,” Mr Alhassan recalls. “I brushed it off as stress and fatigue, but deep down, I knew something was wrong.”

His symptoms persisted, and he eventually visited his primary care physician at Savelugu government hospital, who ordered a series of tests, including a blood test to check his kidney function. The results revealed that Francis kidneys were functioning at only 30% capacity. He was immediately  referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further checks where he was put on routine checks and medication.

“I was shocked and scared,” he admits. “I had no idea that my kidneys were failing. If I had waited any longer, I might have needed dialysis or even a kidney transplant.”

Francis’s diagnosis was a wake-up call. He began working closely with his healthcare team to manage his kidney disease. He made lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing his stress levels.

“Early detection saved my life,” he emphasizes. “If I had waited, my kidneys might have failed completely. Now, I am able to manage my condition, and I am grateful for every day I have.”

Francis’s story underscores the importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease progression. Kidney disease is a growing concern worldwide, often masquerading as a harmless condition until it is too late. The absence of noticeable symptoms in the early stages makes it crucial to be proactive about our health.

The Tamale Teaching Hospital has reported a significant increase in cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The facility is seeing at least five to seven new cases of end-stage renal disease every week. Hypertension and diabetes are the leading causes of CKD.

As of 2023, there were 120 patients on dialysis, and over 300 people were diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

In  2024, the numbers were even more concerning. From January to July, more than 150 people were on dialysis, and over 350 people were diagnosed with CKD. It is worth noting that these numbers might not reflect the actual severity of the situation, as some patients might not have been able to access the hospital due to financial constraints.

The hospital also reported that there were 171 new cases of kidney disease in 2024, and sadly, 147 deaths, which included both new and existing patients. Chronic Kidney Disease  was 5th in the top ten causes of death at the hospital last year. Most striking is the fact that 11 patients were children between one and 17 years of old  who had been living with kidney disease requiring dialysis. 

Medical Officer at the hospital’s renal unit,  Dr. Umar Aliu,  emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment. He notes that many patients are presenting with advanced stages of the disease, making treatment more challenging.

Dr. Aliu says the earliest symptoms of kidney disease include decrease in urine production, puffiness of the face,  swelling of the feet, frequent urination at night and other non specific symptoms including recurrent headaches and easy fatigue. The hospital is urging the public to prioritize regular medical checkups and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist

“The truth is, most of the time, you may not even have any symptoms to begin with. The time you’re going to show symptoms is the time that the damage has already been done. You don’t have to even wait before you have headaches because some of them, if not labs that we will do to detect, you may even sit in front of me, and I will not even be able to tell that you have a kidney problem” Dr. Aliu warns.

To combat this, Dr. Aliu recommends frequent medical checkups, “ideally every three to six months, don’t wait, just go to the hospital. If there’s any issue, we will pick it up as soon as possible.”

Dr. Aliu also stresses the importance of hydration, especially in hot weather, to help prevent kidney disease.

The rise in CKD cases is not limited to the elderly, as the hospital is also seeing an increasing number of younger patients diagnosed with the disease.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness, education, and access to healthcare to combat kidney disease in Ghana.

The National Kidney Foundation recommends that individuals at high risk for kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or family history of kidney disease, undergo regular check-ups and screenings.

As we observe World Kidney Day today, let Francis’s story serve as a reminder of the importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease progression. Don’t wait until it is too late – take control of your health today.

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Ghana launches 2025 World Glaucoma Week to tackle vision loss

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Glaucoma Patient Association of Ghana, has launched the 2025 World Glaucoma Week.

As an effort to prevent vision loss, the global initiative aims to raise awareness about glaucoma and encourage regular eye and optic nerve check-ups.

The year’s theme is dubbed United for “Glaucoma Free World” which seeks to unite communities in the fight against glaucoma blindness.

The Acting Director for Technical Coordination, Dr. Hafez Adam, has emphasised that the Ministry is committed to promoting eye health in the country.

He also stressed that the initiative is to create awareness and alert everyone to have regular eye and optic nerve checks to discover glaucoma as early as possible and prevent visual loss.

In his address, Dr. Hafez outlined the Ministry’s efforts to combat glaucoma. He noted, “the Ministry is expanding access to eye care services, especially at primary healthcare levels, by equipping health facilities with the necessary diagnostic tools and trained personnel.”

World Glaucoma Week is a global initiative by the World Glaucoma Association and World Glaucoma Patients Association of Ghana.

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Government launches Mahama Cares to support treatment of chronic diseases

The government has launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, widely known as Mahama Cares, to provide financial support for people suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, and heart conditions.

The initiative, introduced by President John Dramani Mahama, is expected to ease the financial burden of treatment and improve access to healthcare for affected individuals.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on March 12, 2025, Dr Koku Awoonor, who represented the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, described Mahama Cares as a relief for many families struggling to afford medical care. 

“Non-communicable diseases put a heavy strain on families both psychologically and financially. Today’s event signals a new approach to making treatment more accessible,” he said.

Minister for Health Kwabena Minta Akando said the initiative was long overdue, citing World Health Organization (WHO) data that shows non-communicable diseases account for 42% of all deaths in Ghana.

“Cardiovascular diseases alone make up 90% of these cases, while cancers account for 5%. Many of these deaths could be prevented if people had access to treatment, but the high cost makes it impossible for many,” he noted.

Mr Akando acknowledged the role of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in supporting healthcare but pointed out that it does not cover many specialised treatments.

He said Mahama Cares would address this gap by offering financial assistance to people battling chronic illnesses.

To guide the fund’s operations, the government has inaugurated the Mahama Cares Technical Taskforce, a team of experts responsible for developing the necessary policies, creating a funding structure, and setting eligibility criteria for those who will benefit.

The task force is chaired by Reverend Professor Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, a former provost of the College of Health Sciences. Other members include experienced professionals from the medical, financial, and legal fields.

Prof Aryeetey welcomed the initiative, saying it would be life-changing for families struggling with the high cost of treatment. “For those who depend on dialysis or chemotherapy, this is not just another policy, it is relief and hope,” he said.

The government has appealed to businesses, civil society, and international partners to support Mahama Cares. “This is a collective effort. We need strong financial backing and expert contributions to make it work,” the Health Minister said.

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SOURCE: GRAPHICONLINE

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Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine: A lifeline against a silent killer

By: Brain Akutei-Azu Mateko

President of the Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana, Mr. Theobald Owusu Ansah, has emphasized that administering the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns can protect them from the threat of a severe liver disease.

Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show today, March 12, 2025 he explained that Hepatitis B is one of several viruses affecting the liver and is the most prevalent type in Africa.

While hepatitis A and E are spread through contaminated food and water, hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through infected blood.

Mr. Ansah explained that Hepatitis B can be prevented with a simple vaccine given within the first 24 hours of birth, in contrast to Hepatitis C, which has no vaccine and can only be treated.

He cautioned that Hepatitis B is particularly dangerous because it often remains symptom-free until severe damage, such as liver cancer or liver failure, occurs. The virus can survive outside the body for up to seven days, increasing the risk of transmission.

The virus is mostly passed from mother to child during birth—a process known as vertical transmission—and can also spread between children in schools and households due to close contact. Testing for hepatitis B is essential, as its early symptoms can be mistaken for other common illnesses like malaria or typhoid. However, access to comprehensive testing, especially for hepatitis D, remains limited in the country.

Mr. Ansah urged health authorities to implement widespread newborn vaccination programmes to safeguard future generations. He believes that with increased awareness and proactive vaccination efforts, Ghana can significantly reduce the spread of Hepatitis B and prevent countless cases of life-threatening liver disease.

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Government allocates GH¢292.4m to provide free sanitary pads for students

By Rejoice Henrietta Otoo Arthur

The government has taken a major step to address period poverty by allocating GH¢292.4 million to begin the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

This announcement was made by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson while presenting the 2025 national budget.

“We have allocated an amount of 292.4 million Ghana cedis to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools,” the minister stated.

For years, the high cost of sanitary pads has been a barrier for many girls, leading to school absenteeism and health risks. Under the previous tax policy, sanitary pads were classified as “Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles” under the Harmonized System Code 9619001000, attracting multiple taxes, including a 20% import duty, 12.5% Value Added Tax (VAT), and other statutory levies.

This resulted in a 32.5% tax on imported sanitary products, pushing the price of a pack of pads to between GH¢20 and GH¢40. These high costs have made sanitary pads unaffordable for many low-income households. Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet the imposition of taxes on sanitary products has reinforced gender inequalities, keeping many girls out of school and limiting opportunities for young women.

The lack of access to sanitary pads has also led some girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives, posing serious health risks. With this new policy, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on families and ensure that no girl misses school because of menstruation.

The initiative is part of broader social protection efforts to bridge the inequality gap in education and economic empowerment for women and girls.

The distribution of free sanitary pads is expected to improve school attendance, enhance menstrual hygiene, and promote gender equality. This marks a significant shift in government policy, prioritizing the well-being and dignity of girls across Ghana.

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