Category: Rokmer Health Tips

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.”

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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.

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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.

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SOURCE: BBC NEWS

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Volta Region moves from moderate to high healthcare performance – Regional Health Director

By: Jones Anlimah

The Volta Region has made significant strides in healthcare delivery, moving from a moderately performing region to a highly performing one, according to the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio. Speaking at the 2024 annual health sector performance review, he credited the progress to strengthened primary healthcare systems and collaborative efforts among stakeholders.

The region’s improved performance was highlighted in a presentation by the Bono Regional Reviewing Team, which revealed that the Volta Region scored an overall 4.2, an increase from last year’s 3.8. This improvement reflects ongoing efforts to enhance primary healthcare service delivery and accessibility to quality healthcare across the region.

The 2024 annual health sector performance review, held under the theme “Strengthening the Primary Healthcare System for Improved Access to Quality Healthcare Service Delivery: The Role of Networks of Practice,” brought together key stakeholders, including health professionals, policymakers, and development partners, to assess progress and strategize on further improvements.

The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, emphasized the importance of sustaining these gains. “As we deliberate, let us explore ways to strengthen our primary healthcare structures further to ensure equitable access and improve health outcomes for all,” he stated. He acknowledged the commitment of health workers and stakeholders in achieving this milestone.

The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, commended health workers for their efforts in delivering quality healthcare. “Strengthening primary healthcare is crucial, and the government remains committed to improving infrastructure, leveraging technology, and enhancing service delivery to ensure accessible and effective healthcare for all,” he assured.

Adding to the discussion, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Professor Lydia Aziato, called for policies that motivate healthcare workers at the community level. “Mostly, we forget our brothers and sisters who are at the primary healthcare level. Regional Minister, I am saying that the intentional policy should include how we can motivate staff who sacrifice to go to the community level to work,” she urged. She further emphasized the need for investment in training specialized healthcare professionals to prevent the overconcentration of expertise at the regional and national levels.

Professor Anthony Adofo Ofosu, a former Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare system development. “We should move beyond this small, small approach. Let’s start somewhere, get the networks functioning, and then provide the needed resources. The health system cannot be fixed in parts. You need to strengthen all levels—hospitals, health centers, and CHPS compounds—to ensure sustainability,” he noted.

The review meeting underscored the critical role of networks of practice in strengthening primary healthcare and improving service delivery. Participants called for sustained government investment in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and service delivery to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare across the Volta Region.

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Dr. Louisa Satekla urges deployment of more dentists to hinterlands

By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave

Dental surgeon and FDI Global Ambassador for World Oral Health Day, Dr. Louisa Satekla has emphasized the need for improved oral healthcare in Ghana, particularly in rural areas.

According to Dr. Satekla, the majority of dentists in Ghana are concentrated in urban cities like Accra and Kumasi, leaving rural villages without access to dental care. ‘’Most dentists are found in the main cities like Accra and Kumasi so we’re training more dentists and encouraging them to go into the hinterlands’’, she reiterated.

Dr. Satekla stressed on the GTV breakfast show, the importance of early detection of oral cancer and encouraged people not to wait until they experience pain before visiting a dentist. She also advised individuals to practice good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth twice daily and flossing regularly.

To promote oral health awareness, Dr. Satekla advocated for the introduction of oral health education into the national curriculum, enabling children to learn about the importance of oral health from a young age. ‘’We’re pushing for more initiatives like the introduction of oral health education into our national curriculum so our children can be intentional about their oral health’’, Dr. Satekla mentioned.

This initiative aims to encourage intentional oral health practices among children. She further highlighted that they try to sound the alarm every year and have gone beyond waiting till the month of March to create awareness.

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Ghana’s Health Minister reaffirms government’s commitment to key healthcare projects

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring the successful implementation and completion of key health projects, including the COVID-19 response initiative and the Program-for-Results (PforR) project.

He made this assurance during a debriefing session marking the conclusion of an implementation support mission led by Dorothy Chan, the World Bank Task Team Leader.

The mission evaluated the progress of both projects, focusing on infrastructure development, environmental and social safeguards, financial management, and procurement.

Addressing stakeholders, Mr. Kwabena Akandoh acknowledged the intensive nature of the mission and commended participants for their commitment.

He emphasized the ministry’s determination to strengthen collaboration with key agencies, particularly the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), to fully operationalize the Network of Practice and Model Health Centers.

The Minister assured the World Bank team that all agreed-upon actions and timelines from the mission would be adhered to strictly, ensuring the smooth execution of these projects.

In a welcome address, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health reiterated the ministry’s commitment to addressing challenges and completing outstanding activities on schedule.

He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its ongoing support through regular Implementation Support Missions, which he noted are essential for evaluating project progress and finding effective solutions.

He stressed that the collective responsibility of all stakeholders is essential to achieving expected results and ensuring that these investments lead to meaningful improvements in healthcare access and quality for all Ghanaians.

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Ho Teaching Hospital Eyes Medical Tourism as CEO Highlights Growth and Challenges

By Jones Anlimah

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), Dr. John Tampuori, has reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to becoming a premier medical tourism destination in Ghana, citing progress in key healthcare indicators despite challenges.

Speaking at the hospital’s 2024 Annual Performance Review, Dr. Tampuori said the facility recorded a significant increase in outpatient department (OPD) attendance, rising from 211,104 in 2023 to 212,129 in 2024. However, he acknowledged concerns over increased attrition among staff, with separations rising from 63 in 2023 to 83 in 2024.

“Despite the increase in human resources, we have also experienced an increase in attrition and separation. But we remain steadfast in our efforts to retain and attract the best talent to deliver innovative tertiary healthcare, medical education, and research,” he said.

The theme for the 2024 Annual Performance Review, “Focusing on Stakeholder Participation in Innovative Tertiary Healthcare for Medical Tourism,” also featured discussions on the hospital’s medical tourism potential and the need to promote it.

Dr. Tampuori emphasized the hospital’s strategic roadmap, which includes adopting international healthcare standards, expanding community outreach, and investing in research and development.

“As we move forward together, I am confident that we can transcend challenges and transform this hospital into a premier medical tourism hub, generating significant foreign exchange revenue for this country,” he added.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, commended the hospital’s efforts and pledged the regional administration’s support in achieving the medical tourism vision.

“To achieve this, we will need to work together, leveraging our collective expertise and resources to drive innovation and improvement. We will need to foster stronger partnerships between government, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure that our healthcare system is responsive to the needs of all Ghanaians,” he said.

He added, “I am pleased to announce that the government will be launching a new initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to specialized care, as stated in paragraph 686 of the 2025 budget. Ho Teaching Hospital will be upgraded to provide comprehensive specialist services, improving regional access to advanced medical care. This initiative will include investments in new equipment, training programs for healthcare professionals, allied health staff, support staff, and community outreach initiatives. In addition, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme by our government will ensure adequate funding to support our people in accessing more healthcare.”

The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, also lauded the hospital’s performance but stressed the need to address maternal mortality, which saw a slight increase from 18 deaths in 2023 to 20 in 2024. Dr. Kubio further underscored the need for increased stakeholder engagement to improve healthcare delivery and attract international patients to Ho Teaching Hospital.

The review highlighted several gains, including a rise in bed occupancy from 68.9% in 2023 to 73.5% in 2024, an increase in radiology procedures from 19,622 to 20,050, and improved neonatal outcomes, with deaths reducing from 63 to 55 per 1,000 live births. However, challenges such as the reduction in live births and the slight decline in the number of surgeries performed were also highlighted.

The Coordinator of Medical Tourism at Ho Teaching Hospital, Mr. Anthony Bells Kafui, delivered a presentation on the hospital’s medical tourism potential, highlighting its specialized services, infrastructure, and prospects for attracting international patients.

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Government ready to invest in gene drive technology to fight malaria as African scientists push for approval

By Doreen Ampofo

African scientists gathered in Accra from March 17 to 20, 2025, to deliberate on how genetic solutions can be used to, among other things, combat malaria transmission on the continent.

The scientists, who met for four days, championed the use of gene drive technology to alter the genes of female Anopheles mosquitoes, either rendering them infertile or producing only male mosquitoes, which cannot transmit malaria.

According to them, if this technology is adopted in Africa, the population of female Anopheles mosquitoes—responsible for malaria transmission—could be drastically reduced in just four months.

Africa bears a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, accounting for over 95% of all malaria deaths and cases. Despite efforts such as the distribution of treated bed nets, insecticides, and vaccines, the disease persists, with Ghana recording 15 malaria cases per 1,000 people.

This challenge is one of the reasons scientists gathered at the 2nd Global Congress on Genetic Biocontrol Technology, where they shared modern technologies for malaria control and experiences across diverse disciplines related to genetic biocontrol.

A scientist and Professor at the University of Glasgow, UK, Fedros Ukumu, who explained how the gene drive technology can be used to eradicate malaria, said the technology was discovered in the West and has been in existence since 2016.

He stated that the African Union (AU) has encouraged African scientists to study the technology abroad and test its application in Africa.

Prof. Ukumu explained that while all have several genes that are similar, there are genes that are different. He said:

“So, we look at the specific gene that makes the Anopheles mosquito different as well as the part that makes it transmit malaria and diseases. That is the part that we manipulate such that when the mosquito reproduces, the offspring picks up the new genes. This can only be done with gene drive and no other technologies.”

Speaking at the opening of the Global Congress, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting gene drive technology to reduce Ghana’s malaria burden.

He indicated that Ghana spends hundreds of millions of Ghana Cedis annually on malaria treatment, with over 11,000 people losing their lives to the disease each year. He stressed that if an effective and safe technology is available, the government will invest in it.

“If there is a process by which we will be able to come out with a vaccine that is reliable and dependable that will help reduce malaria infection and there won’t be any direct fatal consequences, why should I be against it? To the extent that it is multifaceted, you need the collaboration of all these industries and agencies to work together. But one thing I can assure you is that the political will to support them in that drive is unflinching,” he said.

The President of the Congress, Dr. Misheck Mulumba, highlighted the need for a One Health Approach in applying biocontrol technologies. He pointed out that rapid response measures are crucial in mitigating the economic fallout and health impacts of infectious disease outbreaks.

“The application of a one health approach in containing the negative effects of outbreaks will reduce both the cost and suffering of the population, both humans and animals. It is therefore important for concerted effort to be made in employing the one health approach however possible in applying gene drive and other technologies to confront our challenges.”

The congress was held in partnership with the National Biosafety Authority.

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Ending open defecation: Rural Ghana takes bold steps for clean communities

By Jones Anlimah

Several communities across Ghana are making remarkable progress in sanitation, thanks to interventions by key stakeholders including Plan International Ghana. Under its Integrated Package for Sustainable Development (I-PADEV) Project, a total of 16 participatory communities have been declared Open defecation free (ODF). This achievement aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.

So far, 10 communities in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region, including Asele, Lekanti, Nanankor, Udey, Atwereboana, Atonkor, Akaa, Koensim, Ketsi Nkwanta, and Dzoku, have attained ODF status. In the North East Region, six communities in West Mamprusi—Boayini #1, Boayini #2, Kpabugu, Zanguga, Sagadugu #1, and Sagadugu #2—have also been declared ODF. Additionally, four more communities—Gbani, Diani, Tinkaya, and Manga in the North East Region are in the final stages of meeting ODF requirements.

A visit by GBC News to Koensim, one of the communities in Jasikan district of the Oti region revealed a significant transformation. Unlike many rural areas where open defecation and improper waste disposal remain challenges, Koensim community was visibly clean, with no traces of human waste in open spaces. Every household has been encouraged to construct a toilet facility, a key requirement for achieving ODF status and compliance is near universal.

As a result of demonstration latrines constructed in the community, households have realized that there are a lot of local materials available in their community that can be used for latrine construction.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, the Chief of Koensim, Fuseini Musa, expressed gratitude to Plan International Ghana for supporting their sanitation efforts. He noted, “Plan International Ghana has brought us water; you again have brought us to a situation where our sanitation has improved. Thanks to Plan International Ghana, we no longer record high cases of faecal-related diseases in this community because of your intervention to encourage each household to build a toilet facility.”

To sustain this achievement, community bye-laws have been introduced, including a GHC 150 fine for improper faecal waste disposal. The enforcement of these regulations has led to a significant decline in sanitation-related diseases, further improving public health.

Plan International Ghana’s efforts highlight the importance of community-driven approaches to sanitation. By encouraging behavioral change, promoting toilet construction, and enforcing sanitation by-laws, these initiatives are not only improving hygiene but also contributing to national and global targets for sustainable development.

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PCOS: Understanding the silent hormonal disorder affecting millions of women

By: Brain Akutei-Azu Mateko

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting millions of women worldwide, yet many remain unaware of its impact. It is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and, in some cases, infertility.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 13–16% of women of reproductive age, with up to 70% of those affected remaining undiagnosed globally.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but experts believe it is linked to genetic and environmental factors. High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), leading to symptoms like excessive hair growth and acne. Increased levels of testosterone and other androgens disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles. PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary link.

Common symptoms include irregular or missed periods, excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp, acne or oily skin, and difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation. Some women also experience mood swings, fatigue, and sleep problems.

Since the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, there is no sure way to prevent it. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing severe symptoms. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress levels can improve hormonal balance and overall well-being.

While there is no outright cure for PCOS, it can be managed effectively with the right approach. Treatment depends on the symptoms and whether a woman is trying to conceive. Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes, such as weight management through diet and exercise, to improve insulin resistance and regulate periods. Medications can also help, including:

• Birth control pills – To regulate menstrual cycles and reduce excess androgen levels, which can help with acne and hair growth.

• Metformin – A diabetes medication that helps lower insulin resistance and improve ovulation.

• Clomiphene (Clomid) and Letrozole – Used to stimulate ovulation in women who want to conceive.

• Spironolactone – An anti-androgen medication that can reduce excessive hair growth.

Despite the challenges that come with PCOS, women should not feel discouraged.

A PCOS diagnosis does not mean a woman cannot have children, live a healthy life, or feel confident in her body. Many women with PCOS go on to conceive naturally or with medical assistance. The key is early diagnosis, proper management, and emotional support.

PCOS is not a life sentence—it is a condition that can be managed with the right lifestyle, medical care, and self-acceptance. Women should seek medical attention if they notice symptoms and remember that they are not alone in this journey. With the right support and treatment, they can live full, healthy, and happy lives.

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