Author: Shan Gilman

The African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), an independent continental health agency under the African Union, released its latest update on November 7, 2024, cautioning that although the Mpox virus’s spread rate shows a slight decline, the epidemic continues to advance across the continent. The African continent is witnessing a modest slowdown in the Mpox outbreak, with the Africa CDC reporting the most recent figures. According to the autonomous health agency, 11,450 new cases were reported in the past four weeks, down from 12,800 in the preceding four-week period. Director General of the Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya,…

Microwaving food is often surrounded by misconceptions, with one of the most prevalent being that it “destroys nutrients.” Many believe that using a microwave oven to heat food results in the loss of vitamins and minerals, ultimately diminishing its nutritional value. To better understand this, it’s important to know how microwave ovens work. Microwaves utilize radio waves (a form of electromagnetic radiation) to generate heat. When these waves interact with food, they cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, creating friction that heats the food from the inside out. This method of heating is significantly faster than conventional cooking…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the field of medicine, revolutionizing areas from patient care to drug discovery. With its capacity to process vast amounts of data at unprecedented speed, AI empowers doctors, researchers, and healthcare organizations to deliver more accurate diagnoses, personalize treatments, and enhance operational efficiency. As the field advances, AI’s potential to redefine the future of healthcare appears boundless. 1. AI-Powered Diagnostics: Enhancing Precision and Speed AI is revolutionizing diagnostics by enabling tools that greatly enhance accuracy and efficiency. Machine learning algorithms analyze medical images—such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs—faster and more accurately than human interpretation.…

The Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) collaborated with the National Diabetes Association of Ghana to commemorate this year’s Global Diabetes Awareness Day at the Freedom Center in Accra, where a media briefing took place on Monday, November 11, 2024. Spearheaded by Dr. Elizabeth Esi Denyo, Chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa, the event focused on the theme “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers” in the healthcare sector. Its primary aim was to raise awareness about the escalating diabetes crisis in Ghana, while also showcasing the National Diabetes Association’s continuous efforts in advancing diabetes management and enhancing health outcomes…

Insulin pumps have transformed diabetes management, offering a more precise and adaptable approach to insulin therapy compared to traditional injections. These small, portable devices deliver insulin continuously under the skin, supporting patients in maintaining optimal blood glucose levels and reducing long-term diabetes complications. The device typically consists of three main components: the pump itself, which includes controls and a battery; a disposable insulin reservoir that fits inside the pump; and a disposable infusion set with a cannula inserted under the skin, linked by tubing to deliver insulin continuously. Some newer models even come tubeless for enhanced comfort and discretion. Since…

Predominant among the many complications associated with pregnancy—and a key factor in the risk of stillbirth—is Gestational Diabetes (GD or GDM). Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops exclusively during pregnancy when blood sugar levels become elevated (hyperglycemia). It occurs when hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the body’s ability to use or produce insulin effectively. Insulin is essential in maintaining balanced glucose levels in the bloodstream, and excess glucose can lead to complications during pregnancy. High blood sugar levels resulting from gestational diabetes can pose significant risks to both the pregnancy and the baby’s health. GD…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association has entered into a strategic partnership with Ghana’s Pharmacy Council to strengthen healthcare and pharmaceutical standards across West Africa. This partnership, formalized through an MoU signed on November 7, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, aims to advance healthcare delivery by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives. The agreement focuses on areas such as academic exchange, training programs, and research, involving China as a contributing partner to share expertise and resources. Key signatories included Doris Fosu-Hemaa Addae-Afoakwa, Board Chair of the Pharmacy Council, and Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, Council Registrar, along with HCOWA’s…

The pancreas, a unique organ in the digestive and endocrine systems, is crucial for maintaining blood sugar levels and aiding digestion. Located in the abdomen behind the stomach, this mixed gland known as a heterocrine gland has both endocrine and exocrine functions. Approximately 99% of the pancreas is dedicated to exocrine activity, while the remaining 1% serves endocrine roles, supporting a balance of hormones and enzymes essential for various bodily functions. As an endocrine gland, the pancreas regulates blood glucose by releasing insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide. Specialized cells within the pancreatic islets manage these secretions: beta cells release…

Every November, the world turns its attention to diabetes, a condition that has quietly become a global health crisis. But beyond the statistics and campaigns, one question remains pressing: are we doing enough to combat this epidemic? Diabetes, often labeled as a “silent killer,” is far from silent. It disrupts lives, devastates families, and places an overwhelming strain on healthcare systems. Yet, despite its profound impact, awareness and action remain insufficient. How many of us truly understand the gravity of this condition? How many of us take preventive measures seriously or advocate for better healthcare access for those affected? Millions…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association has formalized a strategic partnership with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to advance healthcare and pharmaceutical standards across Ghana and the wider West African region. The partnership, sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 7, 2024, in Accra, marks a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery in the region through joint initiatives, collaborative efforts, and knowledge exchange. The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between China and Ghana, focusing on strengthening the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in both countries. Key objectives include the promotion of academic exchanges, creation…