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Asthma causes 2,000 annual deaths in Ghana, consultant neurosurgeon warns
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Dr. Teddy Totimeh, a consultant neurosurgeon, stated that approximately 2,000 people die from asthma each year in Ghana. He highlighted asthma as a growing public health concern, noting persistent gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and access to treatment. Dr. Totimeh explained that asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, making it difficult for air to pass through effectively. He described it as approaching "pandemic" levels globally, affecting both children and adults in Ghana. The rise in cases is attributed to genetic factors and environmental exposure, including air pollution, dust, and allergens, with dust mites being a major trigger in Ghana. Dr. Totimeh mentioned that asthma severity varies, and many cases go undiagnosed due to symptoms being mistaken for minor illnesses. He identified early warning signs such as persistent wheezing, night-time coughing, seasonal breathing difficulties, and chest tightness. He clarified that asthma symptoms often worsen at night or in the early morning due to prolonged exposure to irritants, and seasonal changes can also exacerbate them. Dr. Totimeh dismissed misconceptions about asthma inhalers, emphasizing their effectiveness in delivering medication directly to the lungs. However, he expressed concern about limited access to inhalers in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries, estimating that fewer than 10% of patients needing them receive them. He stressed that asthma is manageable with proper diagnosis and treatm
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested six private security personnel following a shooting incident at a residence linked to the family of former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo. The arrests were made after investigations into the incident that occurred in Kwabenya. Authorities retrieved five pump-action shotguns, a Taurus pistol with ammunition, an additional magazine, and communication devices during a search operation. Preliminary investigations indicate that police responded to a distress call from the residence of Tamakloe Safo Jehoshaphat, also known as Akofena, where a gathering was taking place. Adwoa Safo reportedly arrived and was denied entry, leading to escalating tensions and the alleged discharge of firearms by private security personnel. The incident reportedly resulted in injuries to Adwoa Safo and damage to her vehicle. All six suspects and the retrieved items have been moved to Police Headquarters for ongoing investigations, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend additional individuals connected to the case.
Ghana's health financing system is recognized as one of the most impressive among lower-middle-income countries, attracting international attention, according to Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA. Countries like Chad and Ethiopia are scheduled to visit Ghana to study its National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS. Dr. Djokoto made these remarks at an academic symposium on sustainable financing for primary healthcare in Ho. He highlighted Ghana's significant progress in healthcare financing since the NHIS's introduction in 2003, which replaced a "cash-and-carry" system where patients paid directly for services. The NHIS is funded by a 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy on VAT, 2.5% deductions from SSNIT contributions, premiums from informal sector workers, and investment income. Initially focused on curative care, the scheme now aims to expand to include preventive and promotive healthcare services through the Free Primary Healthcare initiative. This initiative will provide basic healthcare services at various community-level facilities, regardless of NHIS card possession, though referrals to higher-level hospitals will require NHIS enrollment. The government currently finances about 56% of healthcare expenditure through the NHIA, with out-of-pocket payments at 26% and development partners contributing about 4%. Ghana is also strengthening interventions for non-communicable diseases via the Ghana Medical Tr
Dr. Enam Bankas, a haematologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has urged for national action to enhance mental health support and comprehensive care for individuals with sickle cell disease SCD. Speaking at a World Sickle Cell Day symposium in Accra, Dr. Bankas highlighted that the emotional and psychological burdens of SCD are frequently overlooked, despite their significant impact on patients and their families. The event, themed "Think Health: Mental Health, Wellness and Self-Care in Sickle Cell Disease," focused on psychosocial challenges, mental well-being, and self-care strategies. Dr. Bankas, who is also the Founder of Sickle Life and Co-founder of Heale, noted that while physical complications of sickle cell often receive attention, mental health issues like stigma, discrimination, bullying, and social isolation are often neglected. She pointed out that patients frequently experience health crises during academic or work periods, leading to emotional distress and unfair perceptions in the workplace. Globally, over 400,000 babies are born with SCD annually, with Ghana accounting for approximately 15,000 newborns each year. Dr. Bankas expressed concern over Ghana's limited newborn screening program, stating that 80 to 90 percent of children born with SCD may die before age five without early diagnosis and comprehensive care. She advocated for a dedicated national sickle cell program to coordinate awareness, screening, treatment, and patient support, as well as expanded