Author: Gloria Addo

The 2024 estimates from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) indicate that 63 percent of infant HIV cases arise from mother-to-child transmission due to non-adherence to treatment. A new report reveals that six out of ten new HIV infections in infants are linked to mothers who discontinue or skip antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Although the mother-to-child transmission rate decreased from 8.6 percent in 2022 to 7.3 percent in 2023, no county met the target of reducing transmission to below five percent. Alarmingly, five counties reported transmission rates exceeding 20 percent: Wajir (34 percent), Mandera (27 percent), Samburu (27 percent), West…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing diabetes care in Ghana, emphasizing collaborative efforts to bridge healthcare gaps and promote equitable access to treatment. Speaking on November 19, 2024, Benjamin Nuertey, WHO Ghana’s Technical Officer, highlighted the strides being made in addressing diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) under the theme of World Diabetes Day 2024, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.” Diabetes remains a critical health challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana, where NCDs account for 45% of deaths. Among these, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders are leading causes, underscoring the urgency of improved…

The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has reported a concerning surge in HIV diagnoses, with nearly 34,000 individuals identified as living with the virus between January and September 2024 during an interview on Joy News. The announcement, which was made by GHANET President Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, also clarified that these newly diagnosed cases represent individuals who have unknowingly lived with the virus for five to ten years. “This figure refers to newly diagnosed individuals, not all of whom are new infections,” he explained.Mr. Ortsin identified multiple factors behind the rising HIV numbers, emphasizing a lack of awareness among the…

Ever encountered a shocking or dangerous situation that keeps replaying negatively in your mind with an aftereffect of fear? Once a safe place, the world suddenly becomes a place where evil triumphs, causing one to question their safety. This experience is characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that may develop after experiencing traumatic events. The condition that was first recognized in war veterans had different names in the past, such as ‘shell shock’, but currently several events can lead people to PTSD. The majority of survivors of traumatic situations may experience…

Early Detection Saves Lives: Mastering the Self-Breast Exam By Gloria Addo A breast self-exam is a regular, step-by-step examination of your breasts, allowing you to detect changes. While mammograms are effective, home-based regular checks are preferred for familiarity. There are a few different ways to perform a breast exam at home: Keep in mind that your breast tissue extends to your armpit, collarbone, and top of your abdomen. Your breast tissue isn’t just your breast cleavage and nipples. Menstruating individuals should perform a breast self-exam after their period ends, while those in menopause or irregular periods can choose a consistent,…

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but it can be a little uncomfortable and even challenging at times. Exercise during pregnancy might help alleviate many common pregnancy discomforts, benefit the overall health of you and your baby, and boost your mood and your energy level! Most experts agree that the best exercise during pregnancy is aerobic activity. Walking is an excellent starting point for exercise during pregnancy, as it is easy on joints and can be done anywhere. Cycling is another aerobic exercise suitable for pregnancy, offering a moderately intense workout while being gentle on joints. Swimming is another option, as…

The breast is a glandular organ located in the chest area of both men and women, though it plays a much more active role in women. Composed of mammary glands, ducts, lobules, fat, and connective tissue, the breast is responsible for producing milk to nourish babies in women. Men, although they also have breasts, do not have functional mammary glands for milk production. Each breast lies over the pectoralis major muscle, covering a large area from just below the collarbone (clavicle) to the armpit (axilla) and across to the breastbone (sternum). Women’s breasts vary in size and shape, largely determined…

Researchers at the American College of Cardiology have established a link between sleeping less than seven hours and an increased risk of high blood pressure. In as much as previous studies had already linked poor sleeping habits to high blood pressure, the results weren’t precise. However, most recent statistics show the likelihood of developing high blood pressure later in life increases with decreasing sleep duration, with women at more risk than males. Given that sleep habits tend to change with age, researchers were surprised to find that there were no age-based changes in the link between sleep duration and hypertension.…

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge in Ghana, with over 4,000 women diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, up to 70% of these cases are identified at advanced stages of the disease, greatly reducing the chances of survival. These alarming statistics are attributed to a lack of awareness, inadequate screening, and insufficient treatment centers. Mammography, a specialized medical imaging method using low-dose X-rays, is a critical tool for early detection of breast cancer. Recent advancements in digital mammography have emerged as a breakthrough technology in the battle against breast cancer. Digital mammography, also known as full-field digital mammography (FFDM), utilizes electronic sensors…

Did you know that among the factors that cause infertility in women the leading cause stems from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? With 7 undiagnosed out of every 10 females living with the condition, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be explained as a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) create excess hormones. The term ‘polycystic ovarian syndrome’ implies that the disease is mostly with the ovaries and that you may have multiple cysts on them. However, it is a hormone-related disorder that can sometimes be linked to family history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Polycystic…