Author: Priscilla Akorfa Fomevor

For families navigating multiple sclerosis (MS), the home is more than just a living space—it is a sanctuary. As the disease progresses, mobility challenges can transform familiar hallways and staircases into daily obstacles. However, with thoughtful adaptations, families can create an environment that prioritizes safety, preserves independence, and upholds the dignity of their loved one. The first step in creating an accessible home is identifying and eliminating fall hazards. Loose rugs, cluttered walkways and poor lighting are among the leading causes of injury. Removing rugs or securing them with non-slip backing is a simple yet critical measure. Installing grab bars…

By Dr. Kwadwo Danso Medical Laboratory Scientist Many people have heard of stroke, diabetes, or hypertension, but only a few are familiar with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a long-term condition that affects the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that control movement, sensation, and coordination. Despite not being very common, multiple sclerosis remains one of the most unpredictable neurological diseases because it can affect each person in a completely different way. Multiple sclerosis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibers. This covering normally allows electrical signals to travel quickly from the…

Scientists have announced a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), working with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, have identified a crucial vulnerability in the bacteria that causes TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Their findings are published in the journal Nature. TB remains a major global killer, responsible for over 1.25 million deaths in 2023. Treatment is challenging, requiring patients to take multiple antibiotics for a long time. The difficult side effects often mean people don’t…

The Health Community of West Africa Association has announced the appointment of a globally renowned Chief Scientist – Professor Ma Xuelei from West China Hospital, Sichuan University. This strategic appointment signals a major leap forward in the Association’s mission to bridge the gap between local healthcare challenges and world-class scientific solutions. The Health Community of West Africa Association is a premier regional network dedicated to promoting healthcare standards and improving access to quality medical services across West Africa. The association brings together healthcare professionals, institutions and stakeholders to share knowledge, build capacity and advocate for systems that deliver safe, equitable,…

Two chemicals commonly used to make plastic flexible have been linked to nearly 2 million premature births and approximately 74,000 newborn deaths worldwide in a single year, according to a new study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine. The research examined the effects of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP)—chemicals belonging to a family of synthetic compounds known as phthalates—across 200 countries and territories using data from 2018. These substances are frequently added to consumer products ranging from food packaging and children’s toys to personal care items and medical devices. Phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines endorsing rapid point-of-care tests and tongue swabs for tuberculosis (TB), aimed to bring lifesaving detection to communities worldwide and accelerate progress toward ending one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Announced on World TB Day, the new tools represent a paradigm shift in TB diagnosis. The newly recommended portable molecular tests can be used near the point-of-care, operate on battery power, and deliver accurate results in under one hour—all at less than half the cost of many existing molecular diagnostics. By bringing testing closer to where people routinely seek care, these innovations…

The Health Community of West Africa Association has demonstrated its commitment to corporate citizenship by sponsoring the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in its annual Corporate Legacy event, held in celebration of Ghana Month. The event which coincided with Ghana Month—a period dedicated to celebrating Ghanaian culture, heritage and national pride, took place at SSNIT’s headquarters in Accra on Friday, March 27, 2026, The event brought together representatives from both organizations, with the office of the Vice President in attendance alongside staff members from the Health Community of West Africa Association. The gathering celebrated the theme of corporate…

The 15th China Batch Medical Team touched down at Accra International Airport on March 24, 2026, marking the start of another annual rotation of Chinese medical cooperation with Ghana. Dispatched by the Health Commission of Guangdong Province – Guangdong Medical University, the new team arrives to continue a decades-long tradition of bilateral health collaboration. The arrival ceremony was a warm affair, with the outgoing 14th China Batch Medical Team on hand to welcome their successors. Representatives from the Health Community of West Africa Association and Lekma Hospital also joined the reception, underscoring the strong partnerships that sustain this medical cooperation…

By Diana Yeboah Menstrual health education plays an important role in promoting the well-being, dignity, and confidence of girls and women. Menstruation is a natural biological process that occurs in females during their reproductive years, yet in many societies it remains surrounded by myths, stigma, and silence. Because of this, many young girls grow up without proper knowledge about their bodies and how to manage their menstrual cycles safely and confidently. Menstrual health education helps girls understand what menstruation is, why it occurs, and how to manage it in a healthy way. When girls receive proper education before they begin…

By Diana Yeboah In today’s fast-paced world, managing stress and maintaining good mental health is crucial—not just for emotional well-being, but also for physical health, including the kidneys. Chronic stress, anxiety, and unhealthy lifestyle habits can increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, both of which are major risk factors for kidney disease. Protecting your mental health, therefore, directly contributes to keeping your kidneys healthy. One way to support both mental and kidney health is through effective time management and regular breaks. A busy lifestyle often leads to prolonged stress, which triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and…