Category: Rokmer Health Tips

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By Joyce Kantam Kolamong

In a medical display of compassion, the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has successfully implanted pacemakers in 9 patients, giving them a second chance at life. The procedure, which was made possible through a collaboration with Mount Carmel Hospital in the United States, is a significant milestone in the hospital’s efforts to provide quality healthcare to its patients.

The pacemaker implantation procedure involves inserting a small device called a pacemaker into the body to help regulate the heartbeat. The device consists of two main parts: a pulse generator and leads. The pulse generator contains the battery and electronic circuitry, while the leads connect the pulse generator to the heart.

The pacemaker implantation procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, and it costs more than 5000 US dollars

Speaking to GBCNEWS on the last day of the exercise, a Cardiologist at TTH, Dr. Abdul Subul Yakubu, who led the team, said the patients who underwent the procedure were suffering from a condition known as complete heart block, which causes the heart to beat at a slow rate. “These patients would have otherwise been unable to afford the device on their own,” Dr. Yakubu explained. “Thanks to our cooperation with Dr. Addo and his team from Mount Carmel Hospital, we were able to supply the pacemakers to them for free.”

Dr. Yakubu emphasized the importance of the procedure, noting that the patients who underwent the implantation would have otherwise been at risk of serious complications, including death. “These patients would have otherwise been unable to afford the device on their own,” he said. “We have given them a fresh start, an opportunity that they would otherwise not have had.”

The procedure was made possible through a team effort involving local staff and experts from the United States. Dr. Yakubu expressed his gratitude to the team, including Dr. Addo and his team from Mount Carmel Hospital, for their support and expertise.

According to Dr. Yakubu, while pacemaker implantation is a life-saving procedure, patients can still develop complications after the device has been implanted. He emphasized that managing these potential complications is critical to ensuring the patient’s long-term health and well-being.

“To minimize the risk of complications, patients receive specific instructions after pacemaker implantation. These instructions are provided in printed format”.

Pacemakers are designed to provide long-term support for individuals with irregular heartbeats. The device’s longevity depends on various factors, including usage and individual factors. On average, a pacemaker can last for at least 10 years. However, the actual lifespan may vary depending on how frequently the device is used.

Lifelong Dependence

Dr. Yakubu indicated that Individuals with pacemakers will require the device for the rest of their lives adding that regular check-ups and monitoring ensure the device functions optimally and identify potential issues before they become major concerns.

When asked about the sustainability of the programme, Dr. Yakubu noted that while the procedure was sponsored, the hospital aims to make the treatment modality accessible to its patients in the long run. “A lot of investment has to go into it, into training local staff and infrastructure,” he said.

This year’s exercise marked a significant improvement from the previous year, with 9 successful implants, up from 3 in 2023, and the hospital aims to continue increasing its capacity to help more patients in need

The successful implantation of pacemakers in 9 patients is a significant achievement for TTH, and a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to its patients. As Dr. Yakubu noted, “We have given them a second chance at life.”

The post Second chance at life: Tamale Teaching Hospital successfully implants pacemakers in 9 patients first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.

Men with higher quality sperm may have longer lifespan, new study finds

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Men with better sperm quality may live longer lives, according to a new study.

Researchers analysed data from nearly 80,000 Danish men with a follow-up of up to 50 years.

The men had had their semen quality assessed in the laboratory due to couple infertility.

The analysis looked at semen volume, sperm concentration, and the proportion of motile sperm – meaning sperm that moved efficiently – and had a normal shape.

Those with a higher number of motile sperm had a life expectancy that was two to three years longer than men with the lowest number of motile sperm, according to the findings published in the journal Human Reproduction.

“In absolute terms, men with a total motile count of more than 120 million lived 2.7 years longer than men with a total motile count of between zero and five million,” Dr Lærke Priskorn, a senior researcher at Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark and the study’s lead author, said in a statement.

“The lower the semen quality, the lower the life expectancy. This association was not explained by any diseases in the ten years before semen quality assessment or the men’s educational level,” she added.

A potential health indicator for men

One hypothesis to explain the link is that semen quality could work as an indicator of men’s overall health.

Previous research cited by the team found that men with a lower sperm concentration were also hospitalised seven years earlier on average, “underlining that men with impaired semen quality as a group not only can expect to die earlier but also to live fewer healthy years”.

“The current findings corroborate and add to the limited albeit growing body of research showing that semen quality is an important marker of current health and likely predictive of future health across the lifespan,” Dr Germaine Buck Louis, dean of the College of Health at George Mason University in the US, told Euronews Health in an email.

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Many pregnancy-related complications going undetected and untreated – WHO

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By: Henrietta Afful

A new study released by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that haemorrhage (severe bleeding) and hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia are the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. In 2020, these conditions were responsible for approximately 80,000 and 50,000 fatalities, respectively.

According to the findings, many women still lack access to essential lifesaving treatments and effective care during and after pregnancy and childbirth.

Published in The Lancet Global Health, the study marks WHO’s first global update on the causes of maternal deaths since the adoption of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.

In addition to highlighting the main direct obstetric causes, the study reveals that other health conditions, including infectious and chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, anaemia, and diabetes, contribute to nearly a quarter (23%) of pregnancy- and childbirth-related deaths.

These conditions, frequently undiagnosed or left untreated until complications become severe, heighten risks and complicate pregnancies for millions of women globally.

“Understanding why pregnant women and mothers are dying is critical for tackling the world’s lingering maternal mortality crisis and ensuring women have the best possible chances of surviving childbirth,” the Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO as well as the UN’s Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP), Dr Pascale Allotey said.

“This is also a massive equity issue globally – women everywhere need high quality, evidence-based health care before, during and after delivery, as well as efforts to prevent and treat other underlying conditions that jeopardize their health” she added.

Other direct causes include sepsis and infections; pulmonary embolism; complications from spontaneous and induced abortions – including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, and issues relating to unsafe abortions; and, anesthetic complications and injuries that occur during childbirth.

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Ghana launches 2025 World Glaucoma Week to tackle vision loss

March 13, 2025 admin

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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.

Government launches Mahama Cares to support treatment of chronic diseases

March 12, 2025 admin

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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.

Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine: A lifeline against a silent killer

March 12, 2025 admin

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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.

The post Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine: A lifeline against a silent killer first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.

Experts warn of rising kidney disease cases in children due to unregulated medication

March 11, 2025 admin

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By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu

Senior Nursing Officer of Child Health at Korle Bu, Mrs Juliet Osei Waziri, has raised concerns over the rising cases of kidney disease among children. She linked them to unregulated medication use and poor healthcare practices.

Speaking on the GTV breakfast show on March 11, 2025, Mrs Juliet Osei Waziri stated that in recent years parents have increasingly turned to unprescribed treatments for their children’s ailments, which often leads to severe complications, including kidney failure.

She lamented how this was not a problem in the past. “Instead of seeking medical help, some parents listen to friends who suggest trying different medications and remedies when they see changes in their children, but some of these medications have harmful effects on children’s kidneys,” she noted.

For her part, the General Secretary of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, Dr. Anastasia Prosorova, highlighted that kidney diseases in children can vary by age group. For newborns and infants, a child health specialist said, there are congenital issues that developed during pregnancy and are often the cause.

“These children may be born with structural problems that affect their kidneys. Sometimes, their abdomens appear larger than usual, or they may have other physical differences, which we categorise as syndromes,” Dr. Prosorova explained.

Despite these medical concerns, many parents still resort to herbal treatments, hoping for a cure.

She stated that she does not condemn the use of herbal medicine. However, she warned that some herbal remedies contain harmful substances that can further damage the kidneys, especially in children. “We do see cases where herbal treatments are used, but often, by the time the child arrives at the hospital, the condition has worsened,” Dr. Prosorova stated.

As part of this year’s World Kidney Day awareness campaign, they urged parents to prioritise hospital visits for any signs of illness in their children. Early medical intervention can prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.

Parents are advised to watch for warning signs such as swelling, changes in urine patterns, and prolonged fatigue.

Parkinson’s cases could double by 2050, reaching 25 million worldwide

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The global burden of Parkinson’s disease is expected to more than double in the coming decades as people live longer and some countries experience a population boom, a new study suggests.

The number of people worldwide with the neurodegenerative condition will reach 25.2 million by 2050, up from 11.9 million in 2021, according to the projections from researchers at Chinese and Canadian universities, which were published in the BMJ.

Independent experts said the findings underscore the urgency of finding new treatments and shoring up social support for people with Parkinson’s.

“It just shows that it absolutely needs to be addressed now, because there is no way that any of the global health services can cope with that level of demand from one specific condition,” Amelia Hursey, strategic director at the advocacy group Parkinson’s Europe, told Euronews Health.

The prevalence of Parkinson’s could reach 267 cases per 100,000 people in 2050, up 76 per cent in three decades, the study found.

About 10.9 million people in East Asia will have Parkinson’s in 2050, a greater toll than any other region. South Asia will follow with an estimated 6.8 million cases.

Meanwhile, western parts of sub-Saharan Africa will see the fastest growth in Parkinson’s cases in the coming decades (292 per cent), driven largely by population growth but also ageing.

What are the factors behind the rise in Parkinson’s?

Hursey, who was not involved with the study, added that as countries become more developed, rates of physical activity tend to fall. Exercise appears to offer protection against Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.

“What you’re potentially seeing is, as people become more sedentary in their work, in their world, you’re actually ending up with a less healthy brain,” she said.

While lower- and middle-income countries are expected to see the sharpest uptick in Parkinson’s burden, increases are expected in every part of the world by 2050.

Cases are expected to rise by 50 per cent in Western Europe, for example, and by 28 per cent in Central and Eastern Europe.

The researchers said the geographical divides could be due to differences in socioeconomic status, changes to how populations are structured, lifestyles, and toxic environments due to industrialisation and urbanisation.

For example, some studies have pointed to air pollution as a risk factor for Parkinson’s.

Research on other environmental pollutants – such as on certain pesticides and cleaning chemicals as well as microplastics – suggests they may raise Parkinson’s risks, but much remains unknown about the drivers of the disease.

Even so, the study results indicate that “the likelihood of increased [Parkinson’s] numbers is significant in the world that we live in now, if we don’t change anything about the … environment as it stands,” Hursey said.

David Dexter, research director at Parkinson’s UK, told Euronews Health that investments are needed in research, medical care, and support services for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

Today, he said, “people with Parkinson’s are not getting the healthcare and services they need to live well”.

SOURCE: EURONEWS

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

March 11, 2025 admin

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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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Hypertension: The silent killer topping OPD cases at Tamale Teaching Hospital

March 11, 2025 admin

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By Joyce Kantam Kolamong

A Cardiologist at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Abdul-Subulr Yakubu, has expressed concern over the rising cases of hypertension, which topped the Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance list in 2024.

According to statistics, hypertension accounted for 6,218 cases, followed closely by diabetes mellitus with 4,474 cases. Kidney diseases, malaria, and stroke rounded out the top five causes of OPD attendance.

Dr. Yakubu emphasized that hypertension is a significant public health concern, often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages. “Hypertension is a big problem, and we have been echoing this for a very long time,” Dr. Yakubu said. “Statistics show that almost a third of the adult population is hypertensive in Ghana.”

The cardiologist stressed that the only way to diagnose hypertension is through regular blood pressure checks, as symptoms often do not appear until the condition has progressed.

“People think that if you have hypertension, you have to feel sick,” Dr. Yakubu explained. “No, the only way you know is if you check your BP.”

Dr. Yakubu attributed the high prevalence of hypertension to a combination of genetic, dietary, and environmental factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, stress, and high salt intake.

While hypertension is relatively easy to diagnose and treat, Dr. Yakubu emphasized the need for community awareness and education to encourage people to get tested and seek treatment.

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