Blog Right Sidebar

Tamale Teaching Hospital holds performance review meeting

By Joyce Kantam Kolamong

The Ministry of Health has outlined its plan to revamp the country’s healthcare system, with a strong focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure. According to the Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, this initiative involves constructing new hospitals, renovating existing ones, and equipping facilities with modern technology.

Speaking at the 2025 annual performance review of the Tamale Teaching Hospital in Tamale, Dr. Taher emphasized that the ultimate goal is to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

To support this goal, the government is investing in the training and continuous development of healthcare workers. Recognizing the importance of a well-trained and motivated workforce in delivering high-quality care, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is also being expanded to increase access to healthcare services. A key focus of this expansion is ensuring prompt reimbursement to service providers.

Dr. Taher highlighted the “Mahama Cares” initiative, launched by the Minister for Health, as part of efforts to provide financial support to vulnerable populations. While details of the initiative are still emerging, he indicated that it has the potential to address the significant issue of healthcare affordability in the country.

Hospital Achievements and Challenges

Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adam Atiku, highlighted significant strides the hospital has made in improving healthcare outcomes. He noted that the hospital recorded a 28% reduction in maternal mortality, dropping from 79 cases in 2023 to 57 in 2024. Additionally, there was a 17% decrease in all-cause mortalities in the Paediatrics and Child Health Department.

Dr. Atiku credited the hospital’s collaboration with development partners, such as AMPATH Ghana and the Wessex Global Stroke Partnership, for these improvements. These partnerships have enabled the establishment of specialized units, such as the Stroke Unit, and provided advanced training for healthcare professionals.

Research and innovation, he said, remain key areas of focus for the hospital. Various studies and projects are underway, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.

However, despite these promising initiatives, Dr. Atiku acknowledged that challenges persist. Chronic water shortages, unstable power supply, and financial burdens continue to strain the hospital’s resources. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that with the government’s commitment and the support of development partners, these challenges can be overcome.

More Stories Here

<p>The post Tamale Teaching Hospital holds performance review meeting first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

Nigeria and Kenya among nations running out of HIV drugs – WHO

Eight countries – six of them in Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya and Lesotho – could soon run out of HIV drugs following the US government’s recent decision to pause foreign aid, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said.

US President Donald Trump announced the freeze on his first day in office in January as part of a review into government spending.

“Disruptions to HIV programmes could undo 20 years of progress,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned.

It could also lead to more than 10 million additional cases of HIV and three million HIV-related deaths, he added, noting this was “more than triple the number of deaths last year”.

Nigeria, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso and Mali – as well as Haiti and Ukraine – would run out of live-saving anti-retroviral (ARV) medicines in the coming months, Dr Tedros said at a press conference on Monday.

Trump’s executive order paused foreign aid support for an initial duration of 90 days in line with his “America First” foreign policy.

It has affected health programmes around the world, leaving shipments of critical medical supplies, including HIV drugs, greatly hampered.

The majority of the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programmes have since been terminated.

Despite a waiver issued in February for the US’s ground-breaking HIV programme, its work has severely impacted.

Known as the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), it relies on logistical support from USAID and other organisations hit by the turmoil.

It has led to the “immediate stop to services for HIV treatment, testing and prevention in more than 50 countries”, Dr Tedros said.

Launched in 2003, Pepfar has enabled some of the world’s poorest people to access anti and has been credited with saving more than 26 million lives worldwide.

During his first days in office, Trump also announced that the US would pull out of the WHO, affecting funding for the global health agency.

“The US administration has been extremely generous over many years. And of course, it’s within its rights to decide what it supports and to what extent,” Dr Tedros said.

“But the US also has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, it’s done in an orderly and humane way that allows them to find alternative sources of funding.

An estimated 25 million people are living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, which is more than two-thirds of the global total 38 million people living with the disease.

In Nigeria, nearly two million people are living with HIV, with many relying on receiving aid-funded medicines.

Kenya has the seventh-largest number of people living with HIV in the world, at around 1.4 million, according to WHO data.

“We ask the US to reconsider its support for global health, which not only saves lives around the world, it also makes the US safer by preventing outbreaks from spreading internationally,” Dr Tedros said.

More Stories Here

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

<p>The post Nigeria and Kenya among nations running out of HIV drugs – WHO first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

Prioritise your children’s kidney health – Specialists tell parents

By: Francis Abedi

In a concerted effort to stem the rising tide of kidney disease among children, health experts in Ghana are calling on parents to take a more active role in shaping their children’s lifestyles. This urgent appeal was made at this year’s World Kidney Day 2025, celebration on March 13th, with the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”

The day, globally recognized, aims to amplify awareness about kidney health and mitigate the impact of kidney disease and its associated complications. In Ghana, the urgency is particularly pronounced, with many cases remaining undetected until advanced stages.

“Kidney disease in children is a growing concern in Ghana, with the major causes being attributed to improper healthy lifestyles,” emphasized Dr. Robert Yeboah, Programs Director for Health Heart Africa PATH, during a sensitization exercise organized in partnership with Kidney Health International and the Ghana Kidney Association. The event, held for Senior High School students in Kumasi, focused on educating them about the vital link between lifestyle and kidney health.

Dr. Yeboah stressed the critical role parents play in safeguarding their children’s well-being. “Parents must pay serious attention to their wards’ lifestyles, especially the kind of diet given to them,” he stated. He specifically cautioned against excessive consumption of carbonated and caffeinated drinks, highlighting their detrimental effects on children’s kidneys.

“Parents must pay attention to the kind of food they give to their children, it is not all kinds of soft drinks are good for children, especially those carbonated drinks and other caffeine-related drinks. It is also important to monitor the physical appearance of your children to detect any changes in swollen feet, changes in urine for prompt report for medical diagnosis.”

Dr. Akua Bakoma Agyeman, a pediatric nephrologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, echoed Dr. Yeboah’s sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of early detection. “A child’s lifestyle plays a key role in maintaining healthy kidneys, and therefore parents play a crucial role. Early reporting of kidney-related diseases helps to prevent them. It is therefore important for parents to report early warning signs when identified especially changes in children’s urine output, feet and faces for early diagnosis,” she asserted.

The sensitization program, a part of the Healthy Heart Africa initiative, underscored the importance of promoting healthy habits such as balanced diets, regular physical activity, and limiting screen time. These lifestyle adjustments are crucial in preventing kidney disease and ensuring children lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

In Ghana, where kidney disease poses a significant public health challenge, the message is clear: parents must prioritize their children’s kidney health. Parents can play a decisive role in protecting their children from this debilitating disease by fostering healthy lifestyles and recognising early warning signs. The call to action is now, urging families to embrace the 2025 World Kidney Day theme: “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”

More Stories Here

<p>The post Prioritise your children’s kidney health – Specialists tell parents first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

People who are socially disadvantaged may age faster, new study finds

People with a good socioeconomic background tend to show fewer signs of biological ageing, according to a new study.

Researchers from the UK studied different cohorts of patients and looked at 83 diseases known to be linked to ageing, such as osteoporosis, cataracts, or an enlarged prostate and blood tests measuring proteins circulating in the blood’s plasma. 

They then analysed the patients’ data related to their social and economic background such as education level, quality of neighbourhood life, or household income.

Those who were the least privileged showed a 20 per cent higher risk of disease compared to their more privileged counterparts, according to the findings published in the journal Nature Medicine.

“For decades, we’ve known that social advantage is linked to better health, but our findings suggest it may also slow down the ageing process itself,” Mika Kivimaki, a professor at the University College London (UCL) and the study’s lead author, said in a statement.

“Our study highlights that healthy ageing is an achievable goal for society as a whole, as it is already a reality for people with favourable socioeconomic conditions,” she added.

For certain conditions, the disparity is particularly stark, with a risk twice as high in the most disadvantaged group for type 2 diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke compared to the most advantaged.

Proteins impacted by socioeconomic situation

Researchers also looked at the proteins in the blood’s plasma. 

“Ageing is reflected in the makeup of proteins in our blood, which includes thousands of circulating proteins linked to biological ageing processes across multiple organ systems,” said Tony Wyss-Coray, a professor at Stanford University in the US and one of the study’s authors. 

The levels of 14 plasma proteins were affected by a person’s socioeconomic situation, including proteins known to regulate inflammatory and cellular stress responses, both linked to ageing.

The study’s findings suggest that upward social mobility can positively influence biological ageing.

Individuals who started with low education but later had middle or high social status showed more favourable protein profiles.

The studies pooled by researchers are observational and can’t determine cause-and-effect, however, the authors suggested factors such as stress, smoking, diet, exercise, and access to healthcare could play a role. 

More Stories Here

SOURCE: EURONEWS

<p>The post People who are socially disadvantaged may age faster, new study finds first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

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.”

More Stories Here

<p>The post Anglogold Health Foundation records 340 chronic kidney diseases annually first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

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.

More Stories Here

<p>The post Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia at highest level in over 25 years first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

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.

More Stories Here

<p>The post Nkwanta Health Directorate, Unilever Ghana, and Dental Association provide free dental screening in Breweniase first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

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.

RELATED STORIES

Early Detection: The Lifeline Against Kidney Disease

More Stories Here

<p>The post Understanding Kidney Health: The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

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).

More stories here

<p>The post Health stakeholders meet in Tamale to track government promises first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>