Ghana News

For weeks, Mansah, a resident of a suburb of Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, had been battling a persistent cough, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Fear gnawed at her- she suspected Tuberculosis (TB), a disease she knew could have serious consequences. Seeking a diagnosis and treatment at a public health facility would have meant spending nearly an entire day navigating long queues, a challenge given her demanding job.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving nutrition services, working with the Ghana Health Service and partners to adapt and provide printed copies of the revised Essential Nutrition Actions (ENAs) Package.

Ghana has made great strides in ensuring healthcare services are available to its citizens. However, access alone is not enough—quality matters just as much. To bridge this gap, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UKFCDO), launched the Quality of Care (QoC) assessment as part of the Harmonized Health Facility Assessment (HHFA).

Ghana is experiencing a worsening bacterial  meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region, straining the country's healthcare system as cases continue to climb. With limited resources and rising fatalities, health authorities are racing against time to contain the disease and provide critical treatment to those affected. In response to the escalating crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped in to provide much-needed technical and logistical support.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to burden some of the most vulnerable populations globally, and Ghana is no exception. Among these diseases, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) remains a pressing public health concern, particularly in the Volta and Oti Regions. A significant number of cases were diagnosed in three districts in 2003 and the disease is still endemic in several municipalities today, underscoring the urgent need for a strengthened health response.

Africa’s ability to effectively prepare for and respond to health emergencies took a significant step forward as public health leaders, technical experts, and key stakeholders convened for a high-level regional consultation on strengthening National Public Health Agencies (NPHAs).

In 2023, Ghana faced a major disaster when the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam led to devastating floods in the Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra Regions. The increased water flow in the Volta River inundated low-lying areas along its course, severely impacting communities such as Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Mafi, Adidome, and Ada. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, forcing thousands to flee their homes and leaving a trail of destruction to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

Cholera is an acute infectious disease transmitted mainly through the consumption of food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. Cholera poses a significant public health threat, especially in areas with inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water. It can cause severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated, making early detection and prompt response crucial.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as one of the most significant health and development challenges of the 21st century.

By Dr Joana Ansong,