Author: Prince Dogbey

On September 4, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30 UTC, the World Health Organization (WHO) hosted an online consultation with the global health community on the forthcoming COP29 Special Report on Climate Change and Health. This significant report, to be delivered to the Azerbaijan Presidency of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a key initiative in addressing the intertwined crises of climate change and public health. The COP29 Special Report aims to outline a series of priority actions that the global health community will urge governments and policymakers to…

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of a robust healthcare system cannot be overstated. Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the weaknesses and strengths of various healthcare systems, serving as a critical reminder that the foundation of a nation’s well-being hinges on the strength of its healthcare infrastructure. A strong healthcare system is not just about having hospitals and clinics; it’s about ensuring accessibility, affordability, and quality care for all. This means investing in well-trained healthcare professionals, modern medical facilities, and efficient supply chains for essential medicines and equipment. Moreover, it involves creating a responsive and resilient…

Auscultation: This is a technique used by doctors to listen to the internal sounds of a patient’s body, such as the heartbeat, lung sounds, and bowel movements. It is usually done with a stethoscope, which helps amplify these sounds. Auscultation can help diagnose various conditions, like heart murmurs, lung infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Scleroderma: This is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the connective tissues in the body. It is considered an autoimmune disease because the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Scleroderma leads to hardening and tightening of the skin and other connective tissues, which can cause…

In our fast-paced world, managing stress effectively is essential for maintaining both mental and emotional well-being. Mindfulness practices have gained recognition for their role in reducing stress and promoting overall health. Incorporating techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling into daily life can offer significant benefits. Meditation is one of the most widely known mindfulness practices. This technique involves focusing the mind on a specific object, thought, or activity to achieve a state of calm and clarity. Regular meditation, even for just a few minutes each day, can help reduce stress by calming the mind, improving concentration, and…

Hand hygiene is a fundamental aspect of health awareness that plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections and maintaining overall health. Despite its simplicity, proper hand hygiene is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most effective ways to protect oneself and others from various illnesses. Why Hand Hygiene Matters The hands are the primary mode of transmission for pathogens that cause diseases. From touching surfaces in public places to handling food, our hands come into contact with numerous germs throughout the day. If not washed properly, these germs can easily enter the body through the…

In 2023, around 733 million people globally faced hunger, equating to one in eleven people, with Africa being hit the hardest at one in five. The latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report by five UN agencies highlights a grim reality: the world is far from achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. Hunger levels have stagnated for three years, with numbers reminiscent of 2008-2009. While Asia and Latin America show some stability or progress, Africa sees a continual rise in hunger. By 2030, an estimated 582 million people will be chronically undernourished, half of them in…

Tooth cavities, often dismissed as minor dental issues, can escalate into significant sources of pain and discomfort if left untreated. These small pits in the enamel, primarily caused by tooth decay, are a common ailment affecting people of all ages. However, the good news is that tooth cavities are largely preventable through a combination of healthy activities and mindful practices. The primary culprit behind tooth cavities is the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When we consume sugary or starchy foods, these bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. This…

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have discovered that a gene known to inhibit the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer is “switched off” by the disease. This finding sheds light on why pancreatic cancer is so aggressive and difficult to treat. The gene, HNF4A, is significantly suppressed in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, allowing the disease to progress rapidly. Researchers analyzed both healthy and cancerous pancreatic tissue samples, revealing that pancreatic cancers trigger a process called DNA methylation, which disables the beneficial function of HNF4A. This research, conducted by teams from Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham, Stanford…

In a world where medical advancements and healthcare technologies are rapidly progressing, maternal mortality remains a stark and troubling issue. The preventable death of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth is not only a tragic loss of life but also a profound societal failure. It is high time that maternal mortality becomes a thing of the past. Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. Despite significant progress in some regions, it remains a critical issue in many parts of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 810 women…

In a significant step toward enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Ghana and the West African sub-region, the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with approximately 25 hospitals and clinics. This landmark agreement took place on August 28, 2024, as part of the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo, held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.The MoUs were signed under the theme “Seizing the Opportunity to Rapidly Upgrade Hospitals, Clinics, and Doctors in West Africa.” The agreements outline clear objectives and commitments from both parties, setting the stage…