Author: Priscilla Akorfa Fomevor

The Ghanaian government has introduced the Mahama Cares Initiative, an innovative program designed to provide life-changing financial support to citizens battling chronic and debilitating illnesses. Announced by the Ministry of Health, the initiative seeks to eliminate the stark choice many Ghanaians face between affording medical care and their financial stability. The Mahama Cares initiative aims to provide direct financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket expenses for treatments, medications, and therapies linked to chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. By removing financial barriers, the initiative ensures that marginalized and low-income populations access critical care. The program also establishes a…

Togo’s student health insurance program, SCHOOL AMU, has made notable strides in providing financial protection to students across the country by raising CFA356 million (€540,000) as at January 2025 to safeguard the health and academic futures of students nationwide. Launched to address systemic gaps in healthcare affordability, the program is transforming how families manage medical costs while advancing the government’s vision of equitable access to care.  Togo’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including insufficient staff, outdated medical instruments, and ineffective financial resources, resulting in a “pay or die” approach for many patients However, the Ministry of Health and Education has…

After more than three years of intense negotiations, the World Health Organization (WHO) is poised to finalize a historic Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Agreement, with adoption expected at next month’s World Health Assembly (WHA). The deal aims to rectify systemic failures exposed by COVID-19 particularly the stark inequities in vaccine and treatment access but last-minute debates over pharmaceutical profits and technology transfers risk weakening its potential impact. The draft agreement, set for approval in May 2025, includes several critical measures designed to prevent a repeat of the “vaccine apartheid” seen during the COVID-19 pandemic: Priority Access for Frontline Workers:…

Recent breakthroughs in medical research have led to the development of new treatments for advanced breast cancer. Two treatments for advanced breast cancer have shown promising results, offering renewed hope for patients with limited options. Capivasertib (Truqap) and Datopotamab Deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) represent the latest advancements in targeted therapies, providing more effective ways to combat aggressive forms of the disease.  Capivasertib: is a kinase inhibitor, that works by blocking abnormal proteins that drive cancer cell growth, effectively slowing or stopping disease progression. It has been approved for adults with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer harboring specific genetic mutations (PIK3CA, AKT1,…

Eastern and Southern Africa are battling one of the most severe cholera outbreaks in recent history, with more than 178,000 cases and nearly 2,900 deaths reported between January 2024 and March 2025. The crisis has spread across multiple countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, South Sudan, Burundi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Health systems are overwhelmed and millions are at risk. The cholera outbreak has reached alarming levels, with Malawi experiencing its deadliest outbreak on record with over 1,660 deaths and thousands of children infected across all 29 districts. Mozambique seeing cases nearly quadruple since February 2023, and South Sudan…

Major HIV/AIDS research trials have been halted abruptly due to decreases in financial support by the U.S. government, which has led to a severe blow to decades of progress in combating the disease. Scientists are concerned that the disruption could delay life-saving treatments, worsen health disparities, and endanger millions of people living with or at risk of HIV worldwide. There have been remarkable advancements in HIV/AIDS research during recent years, including highly effective Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. Also, breakthroughs in prevention, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), have…

In a quest to improve Ghana’s healthcare system, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, officially inaugurated the Ghana National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) on Monday, April 7, 2025. The initiative aims to integrate essential surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia services into the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, ensuring equitable access to life-saving medical care for all Ghanaians.  During the inauguration ceremony at the Ministry of Health, Hon. Akandoh emphasized the critical role of the newly formed NSOAP Steering Committee in driving the plan’s success. “The development of this plan aligns with our broader objectives for the…

In Ghana, where autism remains widely misunderstood, the Autism Awareness Care and Training Center (AACT) has spent nearly three decades providing critical support and training for individuals with autism and their families. Founded by Mrs. Sylvia Serwaa Quaynor, 27 years ago, it remains Ghana’s first dedicated facility for autism training and advocacy. Breaking Barriers Through Skills and Education. The center, which accepts children from nine (9) years and above, focuses on life and vocational skills, as well as basic communication and academic work. The goal is to equip individuals with autism the skills they need to live independently and participate…

Technology is transforming every aspect of human life; healthcare is no exception. The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association of Ghana took a bold step forward by hosting its 5th seminar on the development and application of Smart Chinese Medicine in healthcare. Held on April 4th, 2025, at the HCOWA headquarters, La Trade Fair, this event brought together leading herbal medical practitioners from China and Ghana. Under the theme, “Bridging Tradition and Technology: AI-Driven Innovations in Africa and Chinese Medicine,” the seminar explored how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the development, application, and regulation of herbal medicine. The event featured…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, and to achieve this goal, the WHO recommends that 90% of girls should be vaccinated against HPV by age 15, also 70% of women must be screened for cervical cancer by the ages of 35 and 45, and 90% of women infected with cervical disease should receive treatment. Research is ongoing to improve cervical cancer screening and treatment. For instance, studies show that self-collection of samples for HPV testing is as reliable as samples collected by healthcare practitioners. Also, another…