Author: Chance Iradukunda

The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to receive three million doses of the mpox vaccine from Japan next week, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Despite ongoing vaccinations in the country, there are no available shots for children, who are particularly vulnerable to the potentially deadly infection, which has spread from its epicentre in Goma, North Kivu province. In September, Japan promised to contribute doses from its national supply of LC16m8 vaccinations, which were first created for smallpox by local company KM Biologics and are also effective against mpox.But a legal obstacle delayed…

Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, the CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has paid out GH$200 million in claim payments to support renal patients receiving free dialysis at medical institutions.The inclusion of renal dialysis therapy under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a commitment made by the administration and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Consequently, when kidney sufferers in the nation seek care at recognized medical institutions under the NHIS, they won’t have to pay anything.Twenty medical facilities nationwide have received accreditation to offer dialysis therapy to patients, according to Dr. Dacosta Aboagye.He indicated that NHIS employees have been…

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has announced new strategies to combat malaria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency announced the rollout of vaccines in Kebbi and Bayelsa states on 2 December. Pate emphasized the need for collaboration across all levels of government to implement preventive measures and ensure treatment accessibility. He also acknowledged the emerging threat of AMR, including anti-malaria resistance, which threatens the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. Plans for malaria elimination The Nigerian government is collaborating with the Nigerian Governor’s Forum to rethink malaria elimination strategies.…

An ambitious project of 43 million Ghana cedis has been started by the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in the Ashanti Region to build a state-of-the-art Pharmacy Complex. Enhancing service delivery inside the hospital’s healthcare system is the goal of this four-story building.Key players in the health industry were present for the sod-cutting event on November 21, 2024. The CEO of KATH, Professor Addae Mensah, stressed that this initiative will solve the persistent problem of insufficient space for pharmaceutical management. A full pharmaceutical facility, comprising a warehouse, manufacturing unit, packing and raw materials room, loading and unloading base, and changing or quarantine rooms, would be provided under the project, according to Prof. Mensah. The hospital’s impressive turnaround in pharmaceutical services has allowed KATH to self-fund this project using domestically produced cash.

Dr. Kennedy T.C. Brightson, Medical Superintendent of Shai Osudoku District Hospital, revealed that the hospital handles an average of 382 neonatal cases annually, with 56 involving preterm births. Common causes of premature deliveries include infections, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, high stress levels, and herbal concoctions. Dr. Brightson shared these insights during a public durbar for “World Prematurity Day 2024” in Dodowa, Greater Accra Region. Addressing Barriers to Neonatal CareDr. Brightson highlighted significant challenges contributing to premature births, including delays in seeking medical care, financial constraints, and knowledge gaps among families about neonatal health. He also emphasized the hospital’s need for essential equipment such as incubators and phototherapy machines. “With the involvement of FCSF, this year’s celebration marked a turning point in prematurity awareness for the community,” he stated, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to address neonatal health challenges.Calls for Systemic SupportDr. Brightson highlighted the challenges of premature births, such as medical care delays, financial constraints, and knowledge gaps among families. He highlighted the hospital’s need for essential equipment and the FCSF’s involvement in raising prematurity awareness. Commemorative Activities and Community EngagementThe celebration of prematurity in Dodowa involved a health walk, float, and vigil to raise awareness and address gaps in neonatal healthcare. It also included public education sessions on causes, management, and prevention, with materials distributed to encourage early hospital visits and proper care practices. The event aimed to honor the memories of preterm babies. Advocacy for Resources and CollaborationDr. Baffour Awuah and Mariama Alhassan, Heads of NICU and NICU, emphasized the need for better resources to meet the growing demand for neonatal services. Key speakers, including Alice Panibre, Nana Ayerkie Yortsu III, and Dr. Happy Smart, called for sustainable solutions to improve neonatal care. The event highlighted the collective responsibility of healthcare professionals, policymakers, traditional leaders, and community members.

The UNAIDS report highlights the global struggle against HIV/AIDS, highlighting inconsistent progress and the need for sustained investments and rights-based strategies. With over 31 million people living with HIV globally, the report warns that without these efforts, the gains could be reversed. It calls for increased domestic funding and protection of access to information and services. UNAIDS country director Jacqueline Makhorka emphasized the importance of women and girls’ rights, equitable education, and comprehensive sexuality education. She emphasized the need to end stigma and promote human rights. Uganda Cares Country Programme Director Henry Magala emphasized the need for empowering youth as…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association has formalized a strategic partnership with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to advance healthcare and pharmaceutical standards across Ghana and the wider West African region. The partnership, sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 7, 2024, in Accra, marks a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery in the region through joint initiatives, collaborative efforts, and knowledge exchange. The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between China and Ghana, focusing on strengthening the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in both countries. Key objectives include the promotion of academic exchanges, creation…

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy diet can often feel overwhelming. Meal prepping is an effective strategy that helps streamline your eating habits, save time, and promote healthier choices. Here are some essential tips to make meal prep a manageable and rewarding part of your weekly routine. 1. Plan Your Meals Start by planning your meals for the week. Take some time to decide which recipes you’d like to prepare, focusing on a balance of protein, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consider your schedule—choose meals that are quick to prepare or can be made in larger…

Hypogonadism in men, also known as low testosterone or low T, is a condition where the body produces insufficient levels of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Testosterone plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including sexual function, muscle and bone health, and overall well-being. When testosterone levels drop below normal, it can significantly impact a man’s health and quality of life. Causes of Hypogonadism Hypogonadism in men can be categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary hypogonadism occurs due to test issues, such as genetic disorders, infections, and physical trauma. Secondary hypogonadism results from hypothalamus issues, which regulate…

Regular check-ups and health screenings play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. These preventive measures help identify potential health issues before they become serious, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Establishing a routine for check-ups can significantly impact long-term health outcomes and enhance the quality of life. One of the primary benefits of regular check-ups is the ability to catch health problems early. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers may not present noticeable symptoms until they reach advanced stages. Routine screenings—such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and cancer screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies—can detect…