Author: Pavel Chamabe

A second death associated with the mpox viral infection was reported in South Africa this week by the Ministry of Health, issuing the announcement on Thursday, shortly after the first death occurred. The deceased was a 38-year-old man who had been hospitalized in the KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN) due to a range of symptoms, including extensive lesions, headaches, fatigue, mouth ulcers, muscle pains, and a sore throat. His mpox test yielded a positive result on Wednesday. “Unfortunately, the patient succumbed on the same day his test confirmed the infection, in KZN province,” lamented Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.…

After undergoing surgery in March to remove a lump on his head, Solomon Mthana found himself in an unexpected situation. During this hospital visit, doctors conducted blood tests, including a rapid HIV screening test, which indicated a positive result. This misdiagnosis led Mthana to be advised and placed on antiretroviral therapy (ARV), plunging him into a painful emotional and mental journey. The side effects of the medication were extremely challenging for him. The first two weeks were particularly tough, with constant vomiting, nausea, and overwhelming fatigue. However, relief came in April when the laboratory blood test results returned negative. After…

To everyone’s surprise, authorities recently announced that HIV/AIDS is not a closed case, but that the number of cases is increasing despite the emergence of other urgent issues. Even though some new medications prevent the transmission of the disease from mother to child, unprotected sex and the use of the same penetrating devices on different people remain potential dangers. Sophisticated pedicurists are often overlooked among system professionals, while unsupervised mobile service providers present concerning health hazards. No health campaign seems to address the issue of sterilizing instruments used for cutting nails before their use on clients. It is essential to…

The rise of heart disease among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana, is an alarming trend. During the 12th Leadership Dialogue Series organized by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) on June 6, 2024, this issue was the focal point of discussions, with proposed solutions to address it. Dr. Winfred Baah, a consultant at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and Pearl Exornam Selormey, a registered dietitian-nutritionist, provided detailed analyses on the causes and necessary prevention strategies. Dr. Baah mentioned a study from a Nairobi university hospital indicating that 27.2% of patients with acute coronary syndrome were under 50, with…

On Instagram and TikTok, numerous videos are circulating, featuring influencers claiming that sunscreen does more harm than good. If you search for “anti-sunscreen,” you’ll come across a flood of content supporting this idea. John Shaff, a physician assistant at Stockton Dermatology, notes that patients frequently ask him about the chemicals in sunscreen and their potential link to cancer. “You really need to weigh the pros and cons of using sunscreen,” he explains. “There are uncertainties, but the benefits far outweigh the risks.” Shaff acknowledges that the complicated names of some ingredients can raise doubts, but he is not convinced they…

On Wednesday, May 5, 2024, the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) and the Federation of Africa Medical Equipment, Disposables and Devices Manufacturers and Suppliers (FOAMEDDMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-organize and host the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo. The MOU was signed by HCOWA CEO Anna Jiang and FOAMEDDMS CEO Anthony Ameka. The agreement marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration in the health sector across the West African sub-region. Both organizations aim to bring together key stakeholders in the health industry to build partnerships, attract investment, and develop the region’s…

Mary Amoah Kuffour, mother of two healthy boys, is facing the possibility that her only daughter might have an illness. She had never considered this possibility. However, at three years old, Nana Yaa began to exhibit unusual behaviors. She was unable to speak, and when her frustration was palpable, she would wave her hands in a repetitive and delicate gesture. Over the years, Mary desperately searched for reasons behind her daughter’s strange behavior. She consulted several experts and tried different methods to understand what was happening. It was not until the age of six that Nana Yaa was finally diagnosed…

In a significant development aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery in Ghana, the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy (GNCoP) to co-host the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo from August 26–28, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre. The MoU, which binds the two parties for the upcoming expo, aims at fostering collaboration in addressing health disparities and meeting the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. The MoU was signed by Anna Jiang, CEO of HCOWA, and Pharm Audrey Serwaa Bonsu, CEO…

The syringe pump is a crucial medical device used to administer medications, fluids, and nutrients in a controlled and precise manner. Its significance in contemporary healthcare, in both inpatient and home care settings, cannot be emphasised.By gradually stroking the syringe’s plunger, a syringe pump delivers its contents precisely and continuously over a predetermined amount of time. It is especially helpful in circumstances when precise drug administration is necessary, such chemotherapy treatments, analgesics, and anaesthetics. Syringe pumps offer numerous benefits. For patients in intensive care units, the ability to precisely adjust infusion rates is crucial, and they offer this capability. They…

Speaking about popular foods such as Fufu, Omo Tuo, and Tuo Zaafi, cellular pathologist and wellness consultant Agyeman Badu Akosa addressed the Ghana Shippers Authority Hall in Accra with the aim of improving living conditions and health quality in Ghana. He pointed out that these foods, when eaten from a bowl shared by several people, can facilitate the transmission of hepatitis B. He supported his statements by explaining that putting hands into mouths and then back into the same dish containing soup could inadvertently mix the saliva of those sharing the meal. This practice promotes the spread of diseases transmissible…