Category: Health

The Trump administration’s decision to pause U.S. foreign aid has “substantially disrupted” the supply of HIV treatments in eight countries, which could soon run out of these life-saving medicines, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

Among the eight listed countries, six are in Africa.

The global health agency warned that Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Haiti, and Ukraine could exhaust their supply of HIV treatments in the coming months.

“The disruptions to HIV programs could undo 20 years of progress,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference.

He added that this could lead to over 10 million additional HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths.

Efforts to tackle HIV, polio, malaria, and tuberculosis have been significantly impacted by the U.S. foreign aid pause, implemented by President Donald Trump shortly after he took office in January.

The WHO-coordinated Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, which has over 700 sites worldwide, also faces imminent shutdown, the agency said. This comes at a time when measles is making a comeback in the United States.

The United States has a “responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, it’s done in an orderly and humane way that allows them to find alternative sources of funding,” Ghebreyesus added on Monday.

Funding shortages could also force 80% of WHO-supported essential healthcare services in Afghanistan to close, the agency said in a separate statement.

As of March 4, 167 health facilities had shut down due to funding shortages, and without urgent intervention, over 220 more facilities could close by June.

The United States’ plans to exit the WHO have also forced the UN agency, which typically receives about a fifth of its overall annual funding from the U.S., to freeze hiring and initiate budget cuts.

The WHO announced on Monday that it plans to cut its funding target for emergency operations to $872 million from $1.2 billion in the 2026-2027 budget period.

The Central Regional Health Directorate has reported a rise in suspected cholera cases, reaching 3,028, with 260 confirmed infections.

At the Annual Health Sector Performance Review in Cape Coast on Wednesday, Regional Director of Health Services, Agnes Achiamaa Anane, revealed that the outbreak has claimed 19 lives, and four healthcare workers were infected in the latter part of 2024.

Ms. Anane acknowledged the strain the outbreak has placed on healthcare resources but assured the public that the directorate is strengthening surveillance systems to prevent further spread.

She emphasized the importance of continued investment in healthcare infrastructure to effectively manage future outbreaks.

Imagine being rushed to the hospital in desperate need of care – only to be told – No bed, no treatment.

That’s the grim reality at Tafo Government Hospital, where a critical shortage of beds is forcing patients onto hard floors and cramped corridors.

The huge facility is on the brink where the sick fight for space before they can even fight for their lives.

The Tafo Government Hospital in the Old Tafo Municipality of the Ashanti Region has been overwhelmed by congestion, leaving patients to suffer in dire conditions.

The hospital’s wards are filled to capacity, with in-patients spilling out into the corridors.

The situation is exacerbated by the absence of a functional maternity block and major infrastructural development.

The corridors of the hospital are narrow and crowded, with patients, relatives, and medical staff jostling for space.

As you step into the hospital, the sounds of desperation fill the air.

Patients struggle for space, some on makeshift beds, others forced to sit or stand, waiting for attention from the overworked medical staff.

“It is difficult to work in this condition” the nurse in charge of the neonatal unit of the hospital lamented.

The hospital’s congestion is not a new phenomenon, but it has worsened in recent years.

The patient population has grown exponentially, while the hospital’s infrastructure has remained stagnant. Medical superintendent, Dr. Eric Kwame Deto bemoans the infrastructural deficit of the hospital.

“Tafo Government Hospital is very old. If you ask me, infrastructurally, I won’t call it a hospital. We have to do something about it.” he decried.

According to Dr. Kwame Deto, the congestion of the hospital forces them not to admit some patients.

“In terms of the number of beds we have here, sometimes we have to turn some of the patients away because we can’t admit all of them” he revealed.

The maternity block, which was intended to provide a safe and comfortable space for expectant mothers, has been under construction for 23 years, with no end in sight.

Dr. Kwame Deto says the stalled project has become a worry as its old block is deprived of space.

“Since 2002, almost 23 years now, the project hasn’t seen completion” he added.

Patients and their relatives are also calling for help, frustrated by the lack of progress and the poor conditions at the hospital.

According to a nursing mother, “I stood up the whole night. I couldn’t sleep. The bed is not enough for my baby and myself. A boy fell yesternight. It is not comfortable at all to be here”.

Another patient also said, “We are not comfortable at all because the bed is not sufficient, and the room is very small”.

The 23-year-old maternity block stands as a testament to the failure of the healthcare system, a reminder of the work that needs to be done to provide quality care to patients.

This is a sick hospital in a dire need of improved conditions.

The government, through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the newly introduced free dialysis program under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Benefit Package.

The initiative seeks to provide continuous support for renal patients covered by the NHIS. NHIA’s Deputy Chief Executive of Operations, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, assured beneficiaries of this commitment while addressing the 2024 Annual Performance Review Meeting of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

The event, themed “Transforming Service Delivery Through Professional Excellence and Ethical Practice,” brought together key NHIA officials, including the Director of Special Initiatives and Liaison to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anthony Gingong, and Director of Financial Accounting, Dr. Gustav Cruickshank.

Dr. Djokoto’s presence was part of the maiden working visit of NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe to the Northern and Upper East Regions.

“With this move, I am certain that there will be no interruption to the services being rendered by accredited facilities,” he assured.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between the NHIA and teaching hospitals to enhance the free primary healthcare agenda.

“The Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) was launched on Wednesday. It will adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing chronic illnesses. For individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and those requiring interventions like dialysis, a visionary policy is necessary to support them in mitigating the devastating financial consequences of their conditions,” he added.

The Tain Government Hospital has made an urgent appeal for staff accommodation and a dedicated vehicle to support its goal of attaining regional hospital status and improving healthcare delivery.

During the hospital’s 2024 end-of-year meeting and the launch of its 60th-anniversary celebration, Medical Superintendent Dr. Philip Taah Amoako stressed the pressing need for better working conditions for healthcare workers.

He noted that the lack of adequate housing for staff near the facility affects their well-being and, ultimately, the quality of patient care.

Dr. Amoako also highlighted the need for a dedicated vehicle to facilitate staff transportation and enhance service delivery. He emphasized that achieving regional hospital status requires significant investment and called on the Ministry of Health, government agencies, and stakeholders to support the hospital’s expansion efforts. Alexander Gyan Kwabena, the district’s Health Promotion Officer, echoed the call for intervention, underscoring the need for additional healthcare personnel to improve service delivery.

The Tain District has long struggled with healthcare challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and limited resources.

Health officials and community members remain hopeful that authorities will respond promptly to address these pressing concerns.

The National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana (NARM GH) has decried poor working conditions and the lack of essential medical supplies to ensure safe deliveries.

At their 2nd Quadrenni National Congress, members highlighted inadequate support and limited opportunities for professional development as critical issues affecting midwives in the country.

President of the National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana, Mary Ofosu, says the shortage of essential health materials, such as gloves, hinders the quest for safe deliveries.

She urged the procurement departments to involve midwives, as end users of medical supplies, in procurement decision-making processes. Mrs. Ofosu also highlighted limited opportunities for midwives to upgrade their skills, as well as discrimination in allocation of public accommodation facilities.

She however urged midwives not to reject postings to rural areas despite the challenges, as their presence is crucial for maternal healthcare.

The Trades Union Congress observed that investing in midwives would significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country.

Secretary-General, Joshua Ansah, says midwives need better policies to support their career growth, while staffing concerns are addressed.

The Association’s concerns highlight the urgent need for government’s intervention to enhance midwifery services to improve maternal healthcare and save lives.

President John Dramani Mahama is calling on the international community to partner with his government in completing the stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects.

He disclosed that his administration requires $1.7 billion to complete the hospitals.

Speaking at a credentials presentation ceremony for five newly appointed ambassadors to Ghana, Mahama emphasized the need for private sector collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery.

“With regards to healthcare, we would like to see what the cooperation is. We do have a problem with our hospital facilities. The previous government started huge projects in healthcare, building more than 100 hospitals, and somehow we are stuck because they spent a lot of money and not being able to operationalize any of them.

“And so we are looking to see if we can have some cooperation with the private sector or any entrepreneurs that are into hospital management to finish those hospitals and manage them over a period of time in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service,” he stated.

The five envoys who presented their Letters of Credence to the President on Wednesday, March 12, include Ms. Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy; Julio Enrique Pujol Torres, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba; and Musu Jatu Ruhle, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia.

Also present were Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, and Ali Ghomshi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has held a handing-over ceremony to receive newly-appointed deputy chief executives and other senior officials.

Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto assumes the role of deputy chief executive in-charge of operations, while Mr Raphael Yelfoglo Segkpeb takes on the position of deputy chief executive responsible for administration and human resources

The Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, in line with directives from the President, also announced the appointment of Ms. Faustina Dery as Head of Corporate Communications.

Additionally, Dr. Anthony Ginpong has been appointed as Senior Director in-charge of Special Initiatives and Liaison to the Ministry of Health.

These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles, and are expected to play a pivotal role in driving the NHIA’s strategic objectives and advancing the country’s healthcare landscape.

The newly-appointed officials were formally introduced to the Authority, marking the beginning of their tenure in steering key operations, administration and strategic communications for the NHIA.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was established under the National Health Insurance Act 2003, Act 650.

NHIA is responsible for implementing and Managing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which involves overseeing the registration of members, managing contributions, and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered to those in need.

The Authority is confident the new appointments will strengthen its leadership capacity and enhance its ability to deliver on its mandate to provide access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the government’s plan to bridge healthcare financing gaps by introducing the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (Mahama Cares).

This initiative aims to ensure fairness in healthcare financing, eliminate disparities in treatment access, and ultimately improve Ghanaians’ well-being.

The Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund will provide financial support to individuals battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses, ensuring that financial constraints no longer hinder access to quality healthcare.

Speaking at the launch of the Nine-Member Operationalization Taskforce for the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund on Wednesday, March 12, the Health Minister emphasized the fund’s role in addressing the high cost of specialized treatment. He reiterated that the initiative is designed to promote equity in healthcare access and enhance the country’s overall health outcomes.

“We promised to launch the Mahama Cares to take care of chronic diseases in this country. It was borne out of the fact that the mortality with respect to chronic diseases is very high, and before you will be able to operationalise such a fund, you need to go through a whole lot of processes.

“So, we needed a task force in place to present that road map. We should be able to consolidate all inputs. They are going to be at the center of affairs.”

The Operationalization Taskforce has up to the 15th of April to report its findings back to the Ministry for the full rollout of the programme. The team is composed of experts from various fields, including healthcare, finance, and policy. The members of the Taskforce include:

-Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey – Former Provost, College of Health Sciences (Chairman)
-Prof. Emeritus F. Binka – Former Vice-Chancellor, UHAS
-Prof. Margaret Kweku – Public Health Consultant

-Dr. Alfred Doku – Consultant Cardiologist
-Dr. Randolph Nsor-Ambala – Finance Expert
-Dr. Anthony Gigong – Representative, NHIA
-Dr. Anthony Seddoh – Health Policy and Finance Expert
-Dr. Belinda Afriyie Nimako – Acting Director, PPME, Ministry of Health
-Representative from the Attorney General’s Department

Speaking to Citi News, the Chairman of the Operationalization Taskforce assured stakeholders that the team would work expeditiously to meet its terms of reference within the stipulated timeframe.

“We will be looking at the legal framework, we will look at infrastructure.”

The Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy is advocating for punitive measures to be taken against individuals who illegally sell and misuse Tramadol 225, a highly potent opioid analgesic locally referred to as RED.

The Chamber’s call comes in response to the alarming rate of abuse of this drug, particularly among Ghana’s youth, which has raised significant public health and security concerns.

Tramadol 225, originally developed as a prescription painkiller for severe pain management, has in recent years become one of the most widely abused substances in Ghana.

The misuse of this drug has led to increased cases of addiction, severe health complications, and even fatalities.

Many young people, often unaware of the dangers associated with excessive consumption, use it as a stimulant or an energy booster.

Others misuse it for recreational purposes, seeking euphoric effects. This growing crisis has led to calls from various stakeholders for stronger regulatory measures, enforcement of existing drug laws, and a broader public education campaign.

Audrey Serwaa Bonsu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, emphasised the urgent need for authorities to take decisive steps in curbing the abuse of Tramadol 225.

According to her, individuals caught selling or misusing the drug should face punitive actions, including fines and other legal consequences. She believes such measures will serve as a deterrent to others and reduce the drug’s widespread abuse.

“Sanction them or fine them and let the people know what happened to these culprits, and I feel that it will be a good deterrent. Apart from that, there should be some form of public education. Sometimes, I believe that the youth are ignorant.

“Social media is now their Ampe and the ludo and the scrabble we used to play when we were younger, and so they are seeing all these things and learning from them and so the onus is on us to actually publicly educate them.”