Author: Priscilla Akorfa Fomevor

Ghana closed a long-standing gap in its health system on Thursday, April 9, 2026, when the government officially launched the Maternal Mental Health Policy (MMHP). The Mental Health Authority led the launch in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and key national stakeholders. The authority also disseminated findings from a Maternal Mental Health Pilot Project implemented across five regions. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UKFCDO) provided funding support for the pilot. The launch brought together government officials, development partners, health professionals, academia, civil society, and the media. The gathering reflected a growing recognition of maternal mental health…

The Principal Midwifery Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Felicia Martey Dodoo, issued a dire warning on the GTV Breakfast Show on Wednesday, April 15, 2026: hypertension during pregnancy often struck without obvious symptoms but could turn deadly in hours. She called on expectant mothers to monitor their blood pressure rigorously both before and after delivery. Ms. Martey Dodoo explained that while blood pressure fluctuations occurred naturally throughout pregnancy, abnormal levels silently triggered life-threatening complications for mother and child when left undetected. “Hypertension in pregnancy can be silent but deadly,” she declared. Ms. Martey Dodoo broke down the typical…

By Major Oteng Wiafe Edward, ENT SPECIALIST surgeon (otology) Ear piercing is one of the oldest forms of body modification, practiced for thousands of years across civilizations. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs who wore earrings as symbols of status to Persian soldiers depicted in Persepolis carvings, the practice has carried deep cultural significance. In many ancient societies, piercing was believed to offer spiritual protection—metal in the ears was thought to prevent evil spirits from entering the body. Today, ear piercing remains a widespread practice, with over 80% of Africans and Westerners, particularly African Americans, having pierced ears. In Ghana, piercing is…

Despite growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a persistent and harmful myth continues to circulate: that autism is a disease. Medical experts, researchers and autistic self-advocates are united in correcting this misconception, emphasizing that autism is not an illness to be cured but a neurodevelopmental variation to be understood and supported. So what exactly is autism? Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition characterized by differences in brain development that affect how a person communicates, processes sensory information, and interacts with the world. It is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in diagnostic manuals—but crucially, a disorder is not the…

As global conversations around neurodevelopmental disorders gain momentum, Tanzania is scaling up its efforts to foster greater public understanding and social inclusion for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Health advocates and policymakers are pushing for a paradigm shift from mere awareness to tangible acceptance and support systems across the country. Autism, a complex condition characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, remains widely misunderstood in many communities. In Tanzania, stigma and misinformation often lead to the isolation of affected individuals and their families. Recognizing this gap, local health organizations and government agencies are…

Health officials in the North East Region have raised alarms over a steady rise in maternal deaths, even as the area records remarkable progress in controlling malaria and tuberculosis. The concerning trend was revealed at the 2025 Annual Performance Review held in Nalerigu, where the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Godfred Kwabena Sarpong, presented data showing that institutional maternal mortality increased from 48 per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 60 per 100,000 live births in 2025. That rise translates to an increase from ten to fourteen reported cases over the period under review. Dr Sarpong was quick to…

Despite achieving its highest collection target in recent years, Ghana’s National Blood Service has revealed that the country still meets only about two-thirds of its annual blood requirement, leaving thousands of patients vulnerable to life-threatening delays in transfusion care. The Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service, Dr Shirley Owusu-Ofori, disclosed this troubling gap at the Service’s Annual Performance Review held in Accra on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. According to her presentation, the Service collected 204,000 units of blood in 2025, which exceeded its internal target of 200,000 units and improved the national blood collection index from 6.1 to…

The Essence HPV Antigen Rapid Test stands out as a practical, efficient and accessible screening tool designed to support healthcare professionals in identifying Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections quickly and reliably. The Essence HPV Antigen Rapid Test is a qualitative, lateral flow immunoassay developed for the detection of HPV L1 Capsid protein in female cervical swab specimens. Designed strictly for professional in vitro diagnostic use, the test delivers results within just 15 minutes, making it highly suitable for clinical environments where timely decision-making is essential. Its rapid turnaround time significantly improves workflow in healthcare settings, allowing more patients to be screened…

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…