Category: Rokmer Health Tips

Scientists unveil benefits and risks of blockbuster weight loss drugs

While weight-loss drugs were linked to lower risk of some conditions, they were also associated with some adverse health outcomes. Blockbuster weight loss drugs can help treat ailments as disparate as addiction, blood clotting, and dementia – but they also come with risks that might give some patients pause, a landmark new study has found.

The analysis used data from more than two million diabetes patients in the United States, including about 216,000 taking the popular drugs, to map out their risks and benefits across 175 possible health outcomes.

Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and related medicines belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are diagnosed for obesity or type 2 diabetes and work by suppressing people’s appetites to help them lose weight.

But the medicines are also linked to a lower risk of drug and alcohol addiction, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, seizures, blood clotting problems, infections, several respiratory issues, chronic kidney disease, and neurocognitive disorders, according to the study, which was published in the journal Nature Medicine.

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SOURCE: EURONEWS

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Agrochemical Spill Contaminates River Tordze: Authorities Warn Communities

By Jones Anlimah 

A serious environmental incident has occurred following the spillage of agrochemicals into the Tordze River, a key tributary of the Volta River, after a truck carrying the chemicals was involved in an accident on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The spill, which took place near Tove in the Republic of Togo, has raised significant concerns about water safety in parts of the Volta region, particularly communities that rely on the river for drinking, fishing, irrigation, and other daily activities.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) warned individuals and communities that rely on the river for drinking, fishing, irrigation, and washing to refrain from using it until an assessment confirms its safety. The statement signed by Mr Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Directorate at VRCC, emphasized the need to evaluate the extent of contamination in the Tordze River and adjoining water bodies before allowing any human activity.

The affected areas include the Agortime-Ziope District and other downstream communities. As a precautionary measure, the VRCC has directed all Municipal and District Assemblies in the impacted areas to provide alternative water sources until the situation is resolved.

“We kindly wish to entreat you to help disseminate this notice,” the statement urged.

Authorities are continuing their investigations and monitoring the water quality. Residents are advised to stay updated through official communications.

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Ghana confirms first case of Human Metapneumovirus

By: Henrietta Afful

Ghana has confirmed its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations.

The case, detected in an elderly adult, was identified from 90 samples tested as part of routine surveillance after a rise in respiratory infections was observed in China and other countries in December 2024.

Health Minister, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh indicated that the detection of HMPV coincides with ongoing outbreaks of cholera and meningitis.

Mr. Mintah Akandoh made these remarks when he appeared before Parliament on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, to provide a detailed update on Ghana’s health situation. This followed an earlier request from Parliament for a comprehensive report within a week.

HMPV is known to cause symptoms such as cold-like illnesses, bronchitis, and pneumonia, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Minister Akandoh revealed that testing for HMPV began in January 2025, following the increase in respiratory cases globally. Of the 90 samples tested so far, only one returned positive for the virus.

Despite the detection, the Health Minister reassured the public that the risk of an HMPV outbreak in Ghana remains low.

He highlighted the strengthened disease surveillance systems in the country since the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have a strong monitoring system for respiratory viruses, including HMPV. Any detected case will be quickly identified and managed to prevent further spread,” he said.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage the public to maintain good hygiene practices and seek medical attention if they experience severe respiratory symptoms.

What is hMPV?

According to the World Health Ogranisation (WHO), Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common cold virus that can cause mild illness but may lead to severe symptoms in some people.

It belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Identified in 2001, hMPV is found worldwide and spreads through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.

What are the signs and symptoms of hMPV infection?

Generally, people infected with hMPV will have cold or flu-like symptoms:

• cough
• fever
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body ache
• headache.

WHO says the virus can make a few people quite sick, causing infection of the lung (pneumonia) or inflammation of the airways to the lungs (bronchiolitis, bronchitis).

Symptoms of more severe disease include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever that does not improve.

It is advised that anyone experiencing any of these severe symptoms, should quickly seek medical advice.

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Meningitis Outbreak in Ghana Claims 16 Lives, Over 120 Cases Recorded

By Deborah Pofara Luu

A meningitis outbreak in Ghana has resulted in over 129 cases and 16 deaths as of Sunday, February 16, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 18, Akandoh stated that the Upper West Region is the hardest-hit area, with 29 patients currently undergoing treatment.

The most affected districts in the Upper West Region include Wa Municipal, Nadowli, Wa West, Jirapa, and Nandom.

“Meningitis outbreaks are common in Ghana’s northern regions due to the country’s location within the ‘Meningitis Belt’ of Africa, which stretches from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east,” Akandoh explained.

He added that the disease is most prevalent during the dry and dusty harmattan season, which spans from October to March.

According to Akandoh, Listeria and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the two main pathogens responsible for meningitis outbreaks in Ghana.

He noted that while vaccines exist for Listeria, they are ineffective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the strain currently causing the outbreak in the Upper West Region.

The government has taken several steps to address the outbreak, including deploying a national team of health experts to support regional and district health authorities and providing free treatment for affected patients.

Emergency operations centers have also been activated to coordinate the response.

“Additional supplies of antibiotics have been secured, and public awareness campaigns are being intensified to educate the public on symptoms and encourage early treatment,” Akandoh said. He also noted that community leaders have been engaged to help spread information, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed experts to assist Ghana in managing the outbreak.

Akandoh stated that these measures are already showing positive results, with a gradual decline in new cases in the Upper West Region.

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Cholera outbreak in Winneba: Minority Leader calls for urgent government intervention

By: Josephine Kekeli Amuzu 

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed serious concerns over the dire conditions at Winneba Government Hospital, where a shortage of water, medical supplies, and logistical support is exacerbating the ongoing cholera outbreak.

Speaking in Parliament on February 20, 2025, the Minority Leader highlighted the distressing state of affairs, revealing that the entire hospital has been without running water, making it extremely difficult for doctors and nurses to provide proper care. “The doctors and nurses complain of a shortage of water,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.

Despite a visit from the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to the Winneba Health Directorate, no tangible support has been provided to address the worsening situation.

In an attempt to alleviate the burden on the hospital, Mr. Afenyo-Markin personally funded the purchase of 100 additional mattresses and has released a total of GH₵200,000 to support healthcare efforts. However, he admitted that these efforts alone are not enough.

“The situation is really getting out of hand,” he warned, stressing that the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has left healthcare workers exposed to infection.

Winneba, a major commercial hub, attracts traders from across the country, making the cholera outbreak a national concern rather than a localized problem. The Majority Leader cautioned that if the outbreak is not contained swiftly, it could escalate into a nationwide health crisis.

“The main ward of the Winneba Government Hospital has been converted into a cholera treatment center, with tents set up outside to accommodate new cases,” he disclosed. Children and the elderly are the most affected, adding to the emotional toll on families and healthcare workers.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin appealed to the government, health agencies, and businesses involved in the production of medical supplies to provide urgent assistance. “This is a humble appeal to pharmaceutical companies and all stakeholders in the health sector to support Winneba’s health facilities,” he urged.

Winneba is currently battling a severe cholera outbreak, with healthcare facilities struggling to manage the rising number of cases.

The situation remains critical, and without immediate intervention, the impact could be devastating. The people of Winneba, particularly healthcare workers on the frontlines, continue to hope for swift action before the crisis spirals further out of control.

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Gov’t will not dismiss nurses recruited after December 7 — Minister assures

The Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reassured Ghanaians that the Government will not dismiss any nurse or midwife recruited after December 7, 2024. 

He said the Ministry, the Ghana Health Service and Catholic Health Association of Ghana had not terminated the employment of any health worker.  

“We are committed to building and sustaining the health workforce,” he said. 

Mr Akandoh gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the maiden African Nurses and Midwives Confederation conference, organised by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association in Accra. 

He pledged to support them with all their logistical needs to facilitate their work and improve on healthcare delivery. 

Mrs Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, the President of GRNMA, said the Association had taken the minister’s word for it, hoping that no dismissal of its members would happen. 

“We are taking his word for it, and we hope that nothing of such nature will happen,” she said.  

“We have also given him the assurance that as a professional association in the trade union, we will continue to partner with the Ministry of Health to ensure that the health priorities of the Ministry are achieved.” 

The five-day conference, which ends on February 24, 2025, saw 17 African countries participating. 

It is on the theme: “Nurses and Midwives, Fostering Health for all in Africa”. 

Mrs Ampofo said nurses and midwives contributed significantly to the economic development of countries and, as such, nations must continue to invest in them to create the desired impact. 

“Whether it’s in education, clinical practice, research, rehabilitation, preventive healthcare, whatever it is, we are ensuring that the population is healthy. And for that purpose, it should reflect on how we are also remunerated in terms of the output of our work,” she added. 

“This is what we need to look at, and the assurance we can give Ghana as a nation is that we, as nurses and midwives, are positioned to give our very best.” 

Mrs Ampofo said the logistical needs, motivation in terms of career progression, and study leave, among others, also positioned them to be able to upgrade their knowledge and skills to support Ghana’s health agenda. 

She encouraged nurses and midwives to believe in the strong leadership they had, willing to fight their cause always and asked for the needed support so that, together, they could achieve the desired outcomes.  

The African Nurses and Midwives Confederation seeks to ensure that African countries come together as a regional body to work, network, and influence health. 

Source: GNA

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PSGH condemns illicit opioid trade, calls for immediate action

By Seli Baisie

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has issued a strong condemnation of the illegal importation of potent opioids into Ghana and other West African nations, warning of their serious implications for public health and safety.

In an official statement, PSGH raised concerns over the growing influx of unauthorized pharmaceutical substances, particularly those containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, which present significant health risks.

“As the recognized body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals in Ghana, PSGH firmly opposes the circulation of unregulated and harmful medications, especially opioids like tapentadol and carisoprodol, which endanger public well-being,” the statement emphasized.

The Society referenced a recent BBC investigative report, which exposed how Indian pharmaceutical firms, including Aveo Pharmaceuticals, were involved in the distribution of unapproved opioid formulations—such as Tafrodol, Timaking, and Super Royal-225—to Ghana.

PSGH highlighted that these substances, lacking global medical approval, have been associated with rising cases of addiction and severe health complications in the region.

“There is growing concern that Ghana has become a major transit point for these hazardous drugs, despite regulatory frameworks designed to prevent their entry and distribution,” the Society noted.

The organization called on regulatory authorities to ensure full transparency and accountability in addressing this issue, urging an in-depth and independent investigation into the matter. PSGH further appealed to key enforcement agencies—including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Pharmacy Council, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)-Customs Division, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Narcotics Control Authority, and National Intelligence Bureau—to take decisive action.

“If any local pharmaceutical company is found to have violated regulatory protocols, necessary penalties must be enforced to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry,” PSGH stressed.

The Society also advocated for tighter border controls, strengthened pharmacovigilance, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and widespread public awareness campaigns to curb the escalating opioid crisis.

“PSGH remains committed to ensuring that only safe, effective, and legally approved medications are accessible in Ghana. We call on all stakeholders—including the government, regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and the public—to unite in the fight against the illegal opioid trade,” the statement concluded.

With concerns mounting over the influx of unregulated opioids, industry stakeholders continue to push for urgent interventions to protect public health and prevent further harm.

Below is the statement;

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Korean Gov’t allocates $32m in aid to Ghana with focus on healthcare

By Jones Anlimah

The Korean government has allocated $32 million in aid to Ghana for this year, with one-third of the amount dedicated to healthcare. The Korean Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Park Kyongsig, made this announcement at the inauguration of a GHS 2.3 million health facility in Abutia Kpota, located in the Ho West District of the Volta Region.

“This year, my government’s total budget for all aid to Ghana is $32 million, and a third of this will go to the healthcare service,” he stated.

The investment aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. By directing a substantial portion of its aid to healthcare, Korea is contributing to Ghana’s efforts to enhance access to quality health services, reduce maternal and child mortality, and combat communicable diseases.

The newly inaugurated health facility is expected to improve healthcare delivery in the district by providing essential medical services to residents.

Ambassador Park Kyongsig also disclosed plans for further investment in Ghana’s health infrastructure. “We also have plans to expand the Ho Teaching Hospital in the near future,” he stated.

The Korean government, through the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), has been supporting Ghana’s health sector for the past decade. This latest investment further strengthens bilateral cooperation in healthcare development.

Local health officials and community leaders welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance healthcare access in rural areas.

As Ghana continues its journey toward a stronger healthcare system, strategic collaborations like this remain crucial in bridging gaps and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all citizens.

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NHIS should absorb cost of cervical cancer screening – Clinical Epidemiologist advocates

A Clinical Epidemiologist, Dr Grace Adjoa Ocansey, has suggested that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be upgraded to absorb the cost of cervical cancer screening for women in Ghana.

The NHIS is a social intervention programme introduced in 2003 to provide equitable access and financial coverage for basic healthcare services to persons resident in the country, allowing a subscriber to access services or medicines/treatments that are covered under the Scheme’s benefits package at credentialed healthcare facilities for free.

Dr Ocansey made the call while delivering a presentation on findings, lessons learned, and recommendations from a one-year cervical cancer project dubbed, “Adopting and Piloting a Cervical Cancer Surveillance Programme in Ketu South Municipality,” at Ketu South Health Directorate’s 2024 programme of work review meeting.

The project was implemented by the Ketu South Municipal Health Directorate in collaboration with the Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (GFELTP), a competency-based programme at the University of Ghana.

Dr Ocansey who is also the Principal Investigator, GFELTP, emphasised the need for increased access to cervical cancer screening services to benefit particularly, low income women who would not be able to afford the cost of screening, indicating that during the course of the project, “women who had to screen at the health facility and
had to pay complained of the cost (GH¢50).

She said cervical cancer, also called cancer of the cervix, caused by Human Papilomavirus (HPV) “happens when the cells of the cervix begin to change to precancerous cells” noting that not all precancerous cells would turn into cancer thus, the need to nd these problematic cells early and treat them to prevent the disease and its
attendant problems, including death.

It was also recommended that the project should serve as a model for the National Cervical Prevention Programme; that the National Health Information Officer should develop a database for monthly reporting of screening data and that staff who would offer the services should have a refresher course once a year.

For the project, a total of 823 eligible women (25 to 64 years) were screened using Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA), pap smear and HPV DNA testing, with 450 women being selected.

Of the 450, almost half of the women (204) were HPV positive, 49 VIA positive and 16 with precancerous lesions. As part of the project, all screened positives were linked to care for free.

Dr Ocansey, in an earlier interview with Ghana News Agency said, “The overall goal of this project is to pilot a cervical screening programme in Ketu South Municipality to early detect, respond and appropriately manage cervical pre-cancerous and cancerous cases to improve their prognosis and survival, and to provide evidence to support the call for establishment of an effective national population-based cervical screening and surveillance programme in Ghana.”

She explained that with the rising teenage pregnancy cases, high HIV positivity and as a border municipality, at risk of high-risk sexual behaviours, Ketu South Municipality was considered the best choice for the pilot project.

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SOURCE: GNA

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KOFIH inaugurates GH¢ 2.3 million health facility in Abutia Kpota to advance SDG 3

By Jones Anlimah

The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) has commissioned a GHS 2.3 million health facility in Abutia Kpota, Ho West District, to improve healthcare access and strengthen Ghana’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

The facility, jointly inaugurated by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, His Excellency Park Kyongsig, the Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, and other dignitaries, aligns with Ghana’s commitment to achieving SDG 3.

It is expected to improve maternal and child healthcare while reducing health disparities in the region.

The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, emphasized the significance of the facility in addressing healthcare challenges in the region.

He stated, “This facility is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope for mothers who need safe maternal care, for children who require timely medical attention, and for families seeking quality healthcare without the burden of traveling long distances. It will serve as a lifeline for many and contribute significantly to achieving the universal health coverage agenda of our dear region.”

The Korean Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Park Kyongsig, reaffirmed Korea’s dedication to Ghana’s healthcare development and highlighted the importance of sustainable healthcare partnerships between the two countries. “Korea remains committed to supporting Ghana in its journey towards universal health coverage. This facility marks another milestone in the strong partnership between Ghana and Korea in the field of healthcare,” he noted.

Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, underscored the government’s commitment to universal health coverage and efficient healthcare delivery. He stated, “In line with our goal of ensuring a healthy population, the health sector has prioritized interventions, investments, and collaborations to improve access to quality essential healthcare for all.”

He further urged authorities to ensure the judicious use of the facility to maximize its impact on the community.

The facility is expected to serve about 17 communities, providing maternal and child healthcare, emergency services, and primary healthcare consultations, thereby bridging critical gaps in medical access for residents of Abutia Kpota and its neighboring areas.

This intervention aligns with SDG 3 by improving healthcare infrastructure, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and ensuring equitable healthcare access, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening community healthcare systems in collaboration with international partners like KOFIH.

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