Day: June 1, 2024

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the youth to disregard the widely held misconception linking smoking tobacco to masculinity.

Madam Francisca Obeng, the Central Regional Head of the Authority, said: ‘Do not be misled into thinking that using tobacco and other addictive substances signifies masculinity.’

‘Instead, demonstrate your masculinity through academic and social achievements with unwavering determination in all your endeavours and leave a lasting impact that garners admiration whenever your name is mentioned.’

Madam Obeng gave the advice on Friday at separate events to mark the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ in the Cape Coast Metropolis, on the theme: ‘Safeguarding Children from the Interference of the Tobacco Industry.’

Focusing on addictive substances, she educated numerous artisans, traders, drivers and students on the hazards of smoking tobacco and the use of other harmful substances.

The World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31 to lead a global campaign aimed at raising awa
reness about the risks associated with tobacco use and advocate effective measures to reduce consumption.

The discussions serve as a platform for young individuals, policymakers and advocates of tobacco control worldwide to address the issue.

It also calls on governments to implement policies that protect young people from the manipulative practices of tobacco products and related industries.

Despite the decrease in cigarette smoking over the years due to remarkable efforts by the tobacco control community, the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises the need for further action to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Globally, there is a diminishing population of adult tobacco users, totalling 1.25 billion, according to the WHO tobacco trends report, with approximately one in five adults worldwide using tobacco, compared to one in three in the year 2000.

Madam Obeng noted that the youth were at a crucial stage in life and, therefore, decisions they made could significantly impact their physical, mental h
ealth and overall well-being.

‘We trust that you are cognisant of the harmful effects of tobacco on human organs, including cancer, kidney and liver diseases, oral and throat infections, and strokes.’

‘Tobacco and substance abuse present serious risks to our physical and mental health. Whether it involves smoking cigarettes, vaping, or experimenting with drugs, these behaviours could lead to addiction, health complications, and even premature death. We cannot afford to ignore this reality.’

She urged teachers to protect students, listen to their concerns and educate them on the adverse effects of substance abuse.

‘If we fail to educate them, they will also falter, as it takes a community to raise a child, and we must play our part in moulding them into responsible young men and women to strive for a brighter future,’ Madam Obeng said.

‘Distinguished educators, I urge you to kindly build relationships with these young individuals.’

Some students of Mfantsipim School commended the school’s extensive couns
elling programme, which educated students on the dangers of using tobacco, marijuana, and other harmful substances.

However, others called on the government to closely monitor the advertising strategies of addictive substances that attract children and adolescents, particularly through social media and streaming platforms.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has provided some items and logistical support to ensure comprehensive community-based primary health care delivery in the North East Region.

The donation was part of the Community-Based Planning and Services (CHPS) Plus Project Phase II, which is being implemented in the area.

Seven pick-up vehicles, 20 tricycle ambulances, 78 motorbikes, 40 mobile phones, 44 delivery beds, 450 each of the following items: bicycles, knapsacks, torchlights, raincoats, and wellington boots, as well as 190 Veronica buckets are among the items presented.

The others are 480 branded T-shirts, four surgical masks, 73 stethoscopes, two air conditioners, a photocopier machine, a projector and nine laptop computers.

Mr Dong Hyun Lee, the Country Director, KOICA, at the handing over ceremony at Gambaga in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the region, said the items were specifically chosen to address key challenges
related to the health care needs of the people.

He said KOICA had been a proud partner in strengthening Ghana’s primary health care delivery in facilitating the country’s efforts to attain the universal health coverage.

Mr Bhanu Pathak, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Tamale, expressed support for the project and gave the assurance to continue to provide technical support to ensure its successful implementation.

Dr Abubakari Baba Braimah, the North East Regional Director of Health, said KOICA and UNICEF had made a huge impact in the region’s quest to improve health care outcomes.

The project has, so far, benefitted 70 CHPS zones in all the six districts, 22 health centres, and four hospitals; the Chereponi Government Hospital, Binde Hospital, Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre, and the Walewale Hospital.

He said prior to the implementation of the project, only 74 CHPS zones out of 154 demarcated in the region had trained community health officers (CHOs) and that 50 CHOs were trained in 2023 after the lau
nch of the project, whilst 72 received refresher courses.

‘The proportion of skilled deliveries conducted at the CHPS level in the region increased from 20.9 per cent to 22.6 per cent at the end of 2023 and sharply increased to 32 per cent at the end of the first quarter of 2024. Immunisation services increased from 61 per cent to 63 per cent between the end of 2022 and 2023,’ Dr Braimah said.

Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General, Ghana Health Service, whose speech was read on his behalf, corroborated the innovativeness of the project, saying it was community centered and aligned perfectly with the country’s network of practice approach.

He appealed to the various stakeholders in the region to own it to ensure that the intention for its implementation was achieved.

Mr Yidana Zakaria, the Regional Minister, praised KOICA and UNICEF for their intervention and pledged to show keen interest in how the tools were used to ensure a longer lifespan to achieve the intended purpose.

Source: Ghana News Ag
ency

The Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana (HAG) has cautioned the media against misinforming the public on the mode of transmission of Hepatitis ‘B’.

Professor Charles Ampong Adjei, the Executive Director, HAG, said misinformation and unauthenticated publication about the spread of the virus might contribute to public stigmatisation and discrimination that could fuel the spread of the disease.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Prof. Adjei said it was unfortunate that many people were unaware about the ‘etiology and transmission route of the hepatitis ‘B’ virus, which appears to be exacerbating the stigma in the country.’.

He ruled out the wrong notion that the virus could be transmitted through the sharing of food, saliva, or preparation of meals, saying such inaccurate information created an environment of secrecy that could contribute to depression and barrier to testing and linkage care.

Prof. Adjei spoke against the public stigmatisation of persons with Hepatitis ‘B’ and that societal
discrimination had substantial consequences, impacting on the affected population’s mental health.

‘It reduces their self-esteem, causes unending depression, and in rare cases suicidal ideation,’ he stated. 

‘In fact, stigmatisation of persons of hepatitis ‘B’ threatened marriages. The discordant couple may feel very uneasy connecting with their spouse for fear of contracting the virus.’

‘The fact remains that the most common route of hepatitis ‘B’ transmission in African countries, including Ghana, is from an infected mother to the child at birth (perinatal transmission) or through horizontal transmission (exposure to infected blood). 

He observed that misconceptions about transmission undermined the ongoing efforts by civil society organisations to tackle the stigma in a holistic manner.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Knees and hips are the foundation of the mobility and wellbeing, unfortunately, many take them for granted until problems arise.

‘Knee and hip issues can lead to chronic pain, limited movement, and a reduced quality of life,’ Mr. Jignesh Viradia, Chief Executive Officer of the African Medical Information Centre (AMIC has revealed.

Speaking to newsmen Mr. Viradia therefore stressed a need for proper management and screening, which would help individuals prevent or manage these problems.

‘Knee and hip health are crucial for our overall wellbeing. Regular screening and management can make a significant difference in preventing and treating problems,’ he stated, stressing effective pain management.

Mr. Viradia revealed that AMIC – Africa Medical Information Centre www.amicafrica.com and other partners are therefore initiating a groundbreaking health project to offer affordable and discounted premium Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgeries to those in need. 

He said the comprehe
nsive free pre-screening camp, scheduled for June, July, and final surgeries in August, aims to revolutionise healthcare in Ghana.

‘Early detection and treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, and screening can identify risk factors and enable preventative measures,’ he said.

‘These camps were organized on various different verticals, like transplants for kidney, liver, and pancreas-Cochlear implants for the deaf; neurosurgeons for tumours and brains; Onco-surgery for cancer; orthopaedics for bones; and complex surgery,’ he noted. 

He said AMIC, along with AMIC Medicare Diagnostic Centre is collaborating with AIMS Hospital, Wisconsin University, with support from the Dental Medical Council and other public health directorates, along with strategic stakeholders in the health sector, to offer free prescreening for knee and hip. The camp emphasizes only TKR-THR (knee and hip).

The camp will begin with free prescreening camps in June and July until the first week of August, followed by
the surgical camp at the end of August. A team of experienced surgeons from India and local doctors will perform the surgeries, along with hands-on training and CPD, while also providing live training sessions for local medical professionals.

‘We are committed to providing quality medical care and empowering local doctors with the latest techniques and expertise,’ he said, stressing that ‘this initiative is a game-changer for Ghana’s healthcare landscape, and we are proud to be a part of it.’

He said that for over a decade, AMIC-Africa Medical Information Centre (www.amicafrica.com) has been a leading healthcare information provider in Ghana, dedicated to providing quality and affordable healthcare. 

The surgical camp is a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare in Ghana. This will position Ghana as a medical tourism hub. The surgeries will not only transform the lives of those suffering from knee and hip conditions but also provide local medical professionals with the opportunity to receive train
ing and enhance their skills.

He recommended regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, proper footwear, and good furniture to help prevent strain.

He said the AMIC Africa Medical Information Centre, www.amicafrica.com, conducted an annual CPD/CME programme and brought specialist doctors and surgeons to train for the advancement and innovative technology in medical science. 

Mr. Viradia noted that AMIC had also conducted several prescreening camps in the past, not only in Ghana but in other countries in the West African Sub-region.

He said World Health Organisation (WHO) data indicated that approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide suffered from chronic musculoskeletal disorders, with knee and hip problems being among the most common. 

In Ghana, he noted that the prevalence of knee and hip problems was significant, with a recent study indicating that over 20 percent of adults experienced chronic knee pain.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Western Region office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has held a sensitisation programme for pupils within the metropolis on the effects of tobacco use and other narcotic drugs among young people.

The sensitisation programme, on the theme: ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,’ was to educate the pupils on the dire consequences of tobacco consumption on the human body. 

Dr Martin Kusi, the Regional Director, FDA, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared May 31 as the ‘World No Tobacco Day’, hence the sensitisation of the pupils on the harmful effects of using tobacco. 

He noted that some companies infused narcotic substances into toffees and other consumables, luring children and the youth into taking those substances, unaware of the consequences. 

Dr Kusi said children become addicted to such substances, especially tobacco, because of consistent intake of products made with narcotics. 

‘Smoking cigarettes and tobacco can lead to unhealthy living,’ he said, and t
hat individuals exposed to tobacco were at risk of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and cancer of the lungs, breast, stomach, throat, and cervix. 

He emphasised that substance abuse did not only negatively affect the individual, but also families, communities and the nation. 

‘The wealth of a healthy nation is the health of the people,’ he noted. 

Mr Kusi reiterated the need for the Government to look out for its human resources, especially children, as they were the future of the nation. 

‘The human resource is important to boost productivity and anhance the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to contribute to economic growth.” 

He urged parents to monitor their children, especially their activities on social media and the information received from their peers in school and in the community. 

Miss Harriet Hackman, the Girl’s Prefect of Bishop Esuah Basic School, commended the FDA for the awareness creation among pupils on the effects of tobacco usage. 

Emmanuel Mensah, a pupil, shared his encounte
r with his peers who smoke and sniffed such substances, saying: ‘I’ll educate my friends on the harmful effects of tobacco, because this sensitisation has opened my eyes and understanding of the harmful effects of substance abuse.’

Source: Ghana News Agency