Service Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GFA) have donated their one-month basic salary to support the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, widely known as Mahama Cares.
The contribution is aimed at bolstering national efforts to provide medical relief for vulnerable Ghanaians battling serious health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic kidney failure, and other life-threatening ailments.
During a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, May 16, the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General William Agyapong, spoke on behalf of the military leadership, underscoring the importance of the fund in easing the burden on citizens facing critical health challenges.
“We are intrigued, and it is heartwarming to know that persons with conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, among many others, will equally benefit from this fund. Your Excellency, that is why my military command and I have decided to contribute our one-month basic salary to the fund,” he said.
President Mahama, who is leading the Mahama Cares initiative, expressed gratitude for what he described as a remarkable show of patriotism and compassion by the Armed Forces.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank our high command for this initiative. It shows that aside from your primary responsibility of protecting our territorial boundaries and wielding weapons, you have a heart and soul beating in your chest.
“Jewels shine brighter in impoverished conditions” is a statement that captures the resilience and strength of physicians in Ghana. Charged with the demanding responsibility of delivering meaningful patient care amidst adversity, these professionals strive to use their skills to help as many people as possible, without compromising their own financial well-being. Yet, in a low-resource setting, this balance is difficult to achieve and often feels insurmountable.
The authors recall moments from medical school when students could not fully grasp the daily struggles patients face, nor appreciate the silent burdens carried by their senior colleagues, the frustrations, the limitations, and the quiet longing for better systems that could truly enhance their impact in our setting.
Then life came full circle, and they found themselves in the same shoes, struggling with the very inequities they had once observed from a distance. Working at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as a medical officer, the honour of serving at such a revered institution was overshadowed by a harsh reality: the salary alone was not enough to sustain a decent livelihood, let alone reflect the dignity of the role.
Like many others, they were forced to take on additional work at other private hospitals, juggling long hours simply to meet the expectations of society.
But it was not just the financial strain that weighed on them. It was the emotional toll, the stories behind the eyes of their patients. They looked at us as gods, all-knowing, all-powerful, the final stop in their journey of pain and uncertainty. And yet, too often, we felt powerless. Referring patients to other facilities, only to have them face the infamous “no bed syndrome,” or watch them suffer because we lacked the life-saving devices needed in emergencies, it was heart-wrenching. These were not just statistics. These were human lives. Families. Dreams abruptly ended.
We went home many nights heavy with sorrow, haunted by what could have been done, what should have been possible, if only we had the tools. But when things go wrong, it is often the doctors who are remembered, not the circumstances that failed us all.
When we transitioned to further our education abroad, in a country where healthcare infrastructure is far more robust, the contrast was jarring. Patients there are offered an array of confirmatory tests and options.
Clinicians operate in systems that empower rather than limit them. And for the first time, we saw what was possible when care is supported by resources. This journey has changed us, not just as doctors, but as people. It has deepened our empathy, sharpened our resolve, and stirred a quiet determination to be part of a change that our healthcare system so desperately needs.
Today, we pause to reflect on the incredible journey of Ghana’s healthcare system, a story shaped by resilience, innovation, and the relentless dedication of those who serve within it. With limited funding and resources, our health professionals, often unsung heroes, have gone above and beyond to care for over 33 million people. From using plastic bottles for CPAP machines to improvising with kerosene lanterns during deliveries, they have shown what true innovation looks like in the face of adversity.
At the heart of this transformation lies a shift toward sustainable, locally driven solutions. Ghana’s move away from the old “cash and carry” system and toward the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) marked a turning point in reducing financial barriers to care.
Though challenges remain, especially in enrolling the most vulnerable, this system laid a foundation for broader access to healthcare. Decentralization has further empowered local health teams to prioritize, design, and implement interventions tailored to their communities.
The Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative has brought healthcare directly to the doorsteps of rural Ghanaians, ensuring no one is left behind. Walk-in access to care, without the burden of long wait times, has made early detection and treatment more accessible than in many higher-income countries.
The introduction of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Ghana has become a beacon of evidence-based policymaking in Africa. From childhood cancers to COVID-19, HTA has supported smarter investment in high-impact health interventions, helping leaders make better use of scarce resources.
Still, disparities persist. Uneven resource distribution, limited infrastructure, and the digital divide threaten progress. To close these gaps, investment in local capacity, digital health tools, and solar-powered CHPS compounds must be accelerated. Ghana can also learn from global best practices, drawing inspiration from nations like the UK and the Netherlands, where tax-based or compulsory insurance systems have made healthcare affordable and accessible for the majority.
But above all, we must recognize the human spirit behind this evolution. From physicians to nurses to community health workers, these are the hidden jewels of our health system. Their sacrifices and ingenuity sustain us, and their stories light the path forward.
In honouring them, we honour our future and commit to building a healthcare system worthy of the people it serves.
About the Authors:
Dr. Denise Eke Chukwu is a dedicated clinician with over six years of impactful service in both the public and private healthcare sectors in Ghana. She has transformed lives through her work in remote, underserved communities. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, she is specializing in Health Leadership and Management. With additional certifications in Humanitarian Health, Health Finance and Management, and Leadership in Public Health, Dr. Eke Chukwu continues to drive systemic change, championing equitable access to healthcare across the nation.
Dr. Simon Egyin is a general physician from Ghana and a Master of Public Health student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With a strong passion for genetics and cancer research, Dr. Egyin has also explored the field of Health Security. He is deeply committed to serving underserved communities and improving healthcare systems worldwide.
Nicemode Charles is from Morogoro, Tanzania, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Economics from Agnes Scott College. Nicemode is passionate about improving access to innovative therapies for patients in underserved communities by using multidisciplinary, evidence-based approaches that incorporate the lived experiences of patients. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and exploring new cities.
Dr. Yvonne Appau Mensah is a General Practitioner and a current Master of Public Health student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With extensive clinical experience in both public and private healthcare settings in Ghana, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges posed by infectious diseases in resource-limited environments. Her academic pursuits are driven by a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, outbreak response, and health equity. Dr. Mensah is particularly interested in leveraging epidemiological research and data-driven interventions to address global health challenges, especially those affecting underserved populations.
Dr. Albert Ekow Orhin is a trained physician from Ghana who is currently pursuing a master degree in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He has spent most of his clinical career in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, where he led and contributed to quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing preventable harm, enhancing sepsis care, and strengthening care coordination. His career goal is to become a physician-scientist specializing in infectious diseases, combining clinical care with research to drive innovations in patient outcomes and health systems improvement, particularly for underserved populations.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has launched its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2025 and an accompanying logo, resolving to consolidate the role of pharmacists in the delivery of primary healthcare in Ghana.
The Society observed that pharmacists were the first point of contact for health care by most Ghanaians and it was imperative to reposition the profession to deliver quality, affordable and accessible services.
The decision by government to introduce a free primary healthcare policy made the resolve even more urgent, it added.
Rev. Dr Dennis Sena Awitty, the Executive Secretary of the PSGH, stressing the key role of community pharmacies, underscored the need to identify and strengthen all weaknesses in the system to meet both public and government demands.
“For instance, Non-Communicable Diseases are on the rise, and early detection helps. How then can we position the nearest health care provider, who may be the pharmacy close to you, to help in screening?
“So, can the skills of that pharmacist be assessed and, if need be, retooled to be that official first point of call for the healthcare system, for cases to be dealt with promptly before referrals are made if necessary?” he quizzed.
The AGM of the PSGH is scheduled for Monday, September 22 to Saturday, September 27 on the campus of the University of Cape Coast. It will be held under the theme: “Strengthening pharmacy for primary healthcare,” and it is expected to deliberate on steps the pharmaceutical society ought to take to advance primary healthcare.
A dedicated website for the upcoming AGM, ‘psghoguaa25.com’ was also launched to enable society members access information, register for the meeting, watch pictures and stream the meeting live.
The meeting promises to be a blend of fun and education, starting on Monday, September 22 with a workshop for students and pharmacists across the country, followed by fun activities along the beach on Tuesday.
The AGM will officially open on Wednesday with “pharma dialogue” and election of new leaders to steer the affairs of the society.
PSGH will celebrate World Pharmacists Day on Thursday and continue on Friday with a career fair.
Dr Awitty said there were over 5,000 community pharmacies across the country, putting them in the position to make government’s free primary healthcare programme successful. “We have a goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030, and to work towards that, we think the pharmacists and the community pharmacies would be very important in achieving that goal,” he stressed.
Mr Kwabena Asante Offei, the Vice President, PSGH, noted that the pharmacy profession had become people-centred, explaining that the launch was necessary to inform and engage the public for contributions that would ultimately shape their decisions.
He reiterated the role of pharmacies and pharmacists in advancing primary healthcare in Ghana, as it continued to be a priority across the world.
He said pharmacists trained today were more competent and available in communities than before, indicating that the gains must be consolidated.
Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh, the President, PSGH, said the AGM was the highest decision-making forum for the society and entreated all members to partake in the meeting.
He also encouraged members to avail themselves for the election to serve the Society.
Madam Cynthia Yeboah Mintah of the Pharmacy Council, expressed the support of the Council to the PSGH and entreated all members of the Society to be part of the meeting, come September 2025.
World Hypertension Day is here with us! Hypertension also known as High blood pressure and commonly referred to as ‘BP’ in Ghanaian medical consulting rooms is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Globally, around 1.3 billion people live with hypertension, and about two-thirds of that number are in low- and middle-income countries. In West Africa alone, hypertension affects more than 35% of the adult population, with rates rising in both urban and rural communities.
This trend is contributing to increasing incidences of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure across the region. The high blood pressure epidemic is tied closely to changing lifestyles fuelled by urbanization, sedentary jobs, and dietary changes.
Traditional diets built around fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grain cereals, and tubers are being sidelined, while more people are eating more processed and convenience foods that are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
This article discusses recent research published in the Journal of Hypertension that investigates the connection between common West African dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension.
What the Science Says
To better understand the relationship between diet and hypertension in West Africa, researchers conducted a comprehensive review of 31 studies involving over 48,000 adults from the region.
Their findings, summarized below, reinforce what has long been recognized: diets high in salt, saturated fats, processed snacks, and red meat are strongly associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Conversely, diets abundant in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich, plant-based foods are linked to a significantly lower risk.
Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Risk – High consumption of fruits and vegetables was associated with a 20% lower risk of hypertension. These foods are naturally rich in potassium, antioxidants, and fibre, all of which play important roles in regulating blood pressure. Good thing is, the protective effect of fruit and vegetables was found to be consistent across different countries and age groups.
Salt Increases Risk – High salt intake was linked to a 25% increase in hypertension risk. While salt is a staple in many traditional dishes, the danger comes from excessive use and from hidden salt in processed foods like instant noodles, bouillon cubes, canned foods, and most packaged snacks.
Junk Food Poses Greater Risk – Eating junk food (such as fried items, sugary snacks, and fast food) was associated with a 41% higher chance of hypertension. These foods often contain a worrying mix of trans fats, salt, and sugar, which can be a strain on the cardiovascular system.
Excessive Intake of Red Meat and Dietary Fats Are Risky. High red meat intake was tied to a 51% increase in hypertension risk, and high consumption of dietary fat (especially from saturated fats) showed a 76% increase in risk. These high fat foods can lead to arterial stiffness, inflammation, and higher cholesterol levels, all of which are known contributors to high blood pressure.
Alcohol Adds to the Problem. Even moderate alcohol consumption raised the odds of hypertension by 17%. This finding supports existing public health guidance to limit all alcohol intake.
The Local Advantage
An important part of the solution to West Africa’s growing hypertension crisis may already be found in its own markets and farms. The region is rich in locally available, nutrient-dense foods that can help combat high blood pressure. These include:
Leafy greens like kontomire,aleefu, amaranth, bitter leaf, etc.
Vegetables such as okro, garden eggs, pumpkins, tomatoes, etc.
Fruits including avocados, oranges, mangoes, guavas, and pawpaw.
Whole grains like brown rice, millet, fonio, and sorghum.
Legumes such as beans, groundnuts, and cowpeas.
These foods are not only nutritious, but they are also culturally familiar, widely accepted, and often more affordable, especially when in season.
By promoting their consumption and placing them at the heart of everyday meals, individuals and communities alike can make significant progress toward reducing hypertension rates and improving overall health.
Final Thoughts
The battle against hypertension will not be won with pills and tablets alone. Diet must be front and centre in the conversation, and not just any diet but one that emphasizes local, traditional foods.
Eating foods made from local produce, cutting back on processed snacks, cooking with less salt, and reducing fried and fatty foods can make a measurable difference in blood pressure. Public health campaigns, school programs, and community-based education can help turn these habits into the new norm. On a personal level, meaningful change begins with the choices we make every day—starting with scrutinizing what is on our plates at every meal.
Taking small, intentional steps like incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains over refined ones, and preparing and eating more meals at home using local produce can empower you to take control of your health and set an example for those around you.
Written by Dr. Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD) Dr. Laurene Boateng is a Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana.
She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Full Proof Nutrition, a website committed to providing reliable, evidence-based, and practical healthy eating advice. Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel and send us a mail at fullproofnutrition@gmail.com.
Reference
Batubo, N. P., Moore, J. B., & Zulyniak, M. A. (2023). Dietary factors and hypertension risk in West Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of Hypertension, 41(9), 1376–1388. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000003499
Taking immediate action within the first 60 seconds after birth can significantly improve outcomes for newborn babies who struggle to breathe, a study by researchers at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has found.
The study, published in SAGE Open Nursing, observed deliveries of 254 newborns in five hospitals between April and June 2022. Almost half of the newborns (48.8%) needed help to breathe. In nearly all the cases (98.4%), midwives performed the resuscitation.
Drying, warming, back rubbing, and gently flicking the baby’s feet were the main resuscitation techniques used. Nearly half (46%) of those who needed resuscitation also received bag-and-mask ventilation. While simple methods like drying and warming were highly effective in the first minute, their impact diminished by the fifth minute. Foot flicking, researchers noted, showed little benefit.
“Every second counts,” said Dr. (Mrs.) Lydia Boampong Owusu, the lead researcher. “We saw that quick, basic actions like keeping the baby warm and stimulating them gently can be life-saving if done immediately after birth.”
She added, “This study highlights how crucial midwives are. Regular hands-on training is essential to maintain their confidence and competence in those first critical moments.”
Resuscitation efforts were rated impressive in 58%, satisfactory in 39%, and poor in only 3% of the cases.
Dr. (Mrs.) Owusu also called for more research into technology that could assist with the resuscitation of newborns. “Technology has the potential to bridge gaps, especially in low-resource settings, to improve newborn care,” she said.
Ghana is strategically positioned now to manufacture its own vaccines, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed.
He said Ghana had established the National Vaccine Institute; hence, the nation was well-placed to produce its own vaccines.
Moreover, other leading pharmaceutical companies in the country had also taken the lead in that respect.
Mr. Akandoh disclosed at a press conference at the Presidency in Accra, during a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama by Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC).
The Africa-CDC Director-General is in the country to sign a data-sharing agreement between Ghana and Africa-CDC.
Mr Akandoh said: “As we all recall during the pandemic, we have countries who looked into our eyes and told us that, look, not until they satisfy their citizens, they were not going to allow the export of vaccines into our country, and therefore I think that we must learn lessons from that to be able to prepare adequately for any future pandemic”.
“We also think that we should be able to build or scale up our primary health care services as we roll out the free primary health care.”
He said the Mahama Cares also needs some kind of collaboration for its sustainability, and it could also be an innovation that could also be emulated by other African countries.
He said the resource support from other partner donors or development partners were dwindling.
“We all know that we have been signalled that by the year 2030, we’ll be exiting Gavi, and therefore there is a need for us to find a sustainable way of financing our vaccines in this country.
This, he said, was one of the ways they could collaborate well with Africa-CDC to ensure that they had sustainable sources of funding for their vaccines, saying “and if we do, then other countries can also emulate same”.
Mr Akandoh said Dr Kaseya’s visit to Ghana and the objectives of the Africa-CDC aligned very well with one of the priorities of the President by putting in place a robust mechanism to have a robust healthcare system to be able to respond promptly to pandemics and to ensure that we have health security in this country.
He said that as a country, they had collaborated so well with Africa-CDC and that they had enjoyed some support from Africa-CDC for some time now.
Highlighting that, Mr Akandoh said Ghana had enjoyed about $2.4 million to strengthen its primary healthcare system.
He said they were at the moment training or had trained about 400 epidemiologists through the Africa-CDC’s assistance.
He said they raised not less than $400,000 to train such people.
He said the Africa-CDC had also assisted Ghana to raise not less than $1.6 million for the procurement and delivery of coaching and IT equipment as a country.
Mr Akandoh said that by the grace of God, Ghana was playing a vital role in terms of health in Africa.
He said the School of Public Health at the University of Ghana was currently serving as the sub-regional centre for training epidemiologists.
Mr Akandoh said the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) was also at the maturity level for what was playing a vital role in promoting continental health security.
He said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was one of the strongest health financing schemes within the sub-region, declaring that “other countries are also learning from us”.
“We are leading by example, not only the National Health Insurance Scheme, but at the moment, as you all know, it is His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s priority area to roll out what we call the Free Primary Healthcare, which we believe that that will catalyze or be a catalyst to arriving at the Universal Health Coverage on time,” the Minister said.
He also mentioned the Mahama Cares (Ghana Medical Trust Fund), which was set-up by the Government as part of efforts to relieve the financial burden of sufferers of chronic diseases (Non-communicable Diseases).
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC), lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s visionary leadership in transforming Ghana’s health sector.
“I’m so impressed, so impressed by President Mahama. This is why I told him I would come to visit you in Ghana, and I want you, the media to say that someone who came from the African Union, someone who is the leader of health in Africa, is impressed by what Ghana is doing,” Dr Kaseya said.
He underscored the African Union and the Africa-CDC’s commitment to support Ghana and to share the good news and experiences.
The Acting Western Regional Director of Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Gifty Amugi, has disclosed that the region has seen an increase in cases of hypertension from 2.96 per cent in 2023 to 3.11 per cent by the end of 2024.
The figures were based on the number of clients who reported to the various health facilities to check their blood pressures, noting that there could be more people in the Region who did not yet know their blood pressure status.
“And this is the dangerous part because hypertension can present in varying forms of fatal complications,” Dr Amugi said.
She said this when the Western Regional Directorate of the GHS marked this year’s World Hypertension Day, in Takoradi.
It was on the theme: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer.”
Dr Amugi said the Region had set a target to screen 66,000 individuals for early detection and proper management of the disease.
She said, so far, health care workers had screened over 8,000 individuals, and that the team would visit places; schools, corporate organizations, institutions, lorry parks, markets, religious gatherings among other vantage points to ensure they achieved their set objectives.
Touching on the essence of the Day, the Ag. Western Regional Director of GHS said: “We have chosen to leverage on this celebration to deepen awareness on hypertension highlighting the need for every adult to check his/her blood pressure from time to time.
And to know the consequences of unmanaged and poorly managed hypertension.”
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, commended the Regional GHS Directorate and all healthcare professionals for their tireless efforts in promoting health awareness and education in the Region.
She called on stakeholders to work together to achieve the target of screening 66,000 people in the Western Region.
“By participating in this screening exercise, we can identify those at risk and provide them with the necessary support and guidance to manage their condition,” she added.
He also urged the citizenry to join the awareness creation campaign, participate in the screening exercise, and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
The Telecel Ghana Foundation marked Mother’s Day 2025 with a community health outreach in Prampram, Greater Accra region.
It delivered life-saving healthcare interventions through its flagship Healthfest and Rural Ultrasound Scan initiatives.
Held at the Prampram Polyclinic on Friday, 9th May, the initiative directly impacted over 1,000 individuals, providing free ultrasound scans for 314 pregnant women, health screenings for 423 community members, and NHIS registration for 300 people.
As part of Healthfest, beneficiaries were screened for blood pressure, blood glucose, hepatitis B, typhoid, and malaria. Attendees also received free medical consultations, treatments, and access to a full team of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists on-site to provide immediate care.
“Our Connected Health pillar is about bringing quality healthcare to the doorstep of underserved communities,” said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability & External Communications.
“This Mother’s Day, we’re not just celebrating women, we’re supporting their wellbeing with actionable care and compassion.”
The Rural Ultrasound Scan initiative addressed a critical gap in maternal healthcare access. For many expectant mothers in rural Ghana, routine scans remain a luxury, often leading to undiagnosed complications and preventable risks.
By offering these services at no cost, the Foundation ensures early detection of potential complications while empowering women with knowledge about their pregnancies. In addition, mothers received welcome packages containing essential baby care items, a thoughtful gesture aimed at easing their motherhood journey.
“I heard about the event from my mother and decided to come,” said Humphrey, a young attendee. “I’ve now been screened and diagnosed, and I’m finally registering for NHIS. It’s been a blessing.”
Another beneficiary, Rebecca Nyame, travelled from Tema Community 25 for antenatal care and returned upon hearing about the event.
“I expected a simple scan, but I received so much more. From medical checks to baby items, Telecel Ghana Foundation made me feel seen.
In partnership with the Ghana Health Service, the event also featured antenatal education sessions focused on maternal nutrition, prenatal care, and self-care practices, reinforcing the Foundation’s holistic approach to maternal health.
These Mother’s Day interventions reflect Telecel Ghana Foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating equitable access to healthcare, one community at a time.
Health authorities have confirmed two new cases of Mpox in the Accra Metropolitan Area of the Greater Accra Region.
Consequently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has responded by directing all regional health directors to reactivate their public health emergency operations centres.
They are also being urged to step up surveillance, risk communication, and case management efforts across the country.
These new cases mark the first confirmed infections this year.
According to health officials, the two cases are unrelated and were both identified at a health facility.
Contact tracing is currently underway to prevent further spread. The patients are under close monitoring.
Ghana’s outbreak of Mpox began on June 8, 2022, when five initial cases were reported.
By November 2023, the country had confirmed a total of 34 cases. Before this outbreak, Mpox was not known to be endemic in Ghana.
A circular signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service called for a renewed response to the threat, including improved detection and response strategies.
Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact. Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.
Across Africa, the disease remains a major concern. As of March 2025, more than 24,200 cases and around 260 deaths have been recorded in 22 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been hardest hit, accounting for a large share of both the cases and the fatalities.
