ESCAPE FROM HEPATITIS

World Hepatitis Day is commemorated each year on 28 July to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer.

There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. Together, Hepatitis B and C are the most common cause of deaths, with 1.4 million lives lost each year. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, viral hepatitis continues to claim thousands of lives every day.

This year’s theme is “Hepatitis-free future,” with a strong focus on preventing Hepatitis B (HBV) among mothers and newborns. On 28 July, WHO will publish new recommendations on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus. HBV can be prevented among newborns through the use of a safe and effective vaccine.

In 2016, at the 69th World Health Assembly, your government made a commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, as set out in the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis. With less than 10 years to go, only a handful of countries are on track to eliminate hepatitis C, and progress towards eliminating hepatitis B is lagging as well.

Undersigned, people living with viral hepatitis and the wider community, call on you to honour your commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

Viral hepatitis affects 325 million people worldwide and claims 4,000 lives every day, more than malaria and HIV combined. Yet, all the tools to reach elimination exist; we have effective treatments and a vaccine to protect children from hepatitis B infection and an easily administered cure for hepatitis C. Elimination can be  reached with concerted - and properly resourced - action.

Viral hepatitis elimination by 2030 will prevent seven million deaths from hepatitis B and hepatitis C. In all countries, viral hepatitis elimination is a cost-effective  investment with long-term savings to health systems. The global financial outlook should only increase your willingness to invest in hepatitis elimination and benefit from cost saving health outcomes that strengthen health systems and aid preparation for the next health crises.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the importance of decisive political leadership to co-ordinate effective responses from healthcare systems for the community and to provide adequate resources to save lives. Viral hepatitis is no different. Strong political leadership, which works hand-in-hand with the healthcare systems, civil society and the affected community, can drive forward efforts to eliminate hepatitis and save millions of lives.

Numerous countries are scaling-up services to achieve viral hepatitis elimination by 2030, implementing WHO’s regional and global action plans. Yet, despite the available scale-up and killing 1.4 million people every year, the response to viral hepatitis is critically under-funded and widely overlooked by international funders and development partners.




Source: www.nohep.org
               www.who.int

WHO receives first-ever donation of insulin

Fifty low- and middle-income countries are soon to receive insulin for people with diabetes, thanks to a donation by global health-care company, Novo Nordisk. The donation, of insulin and glucagon^[1], to the value of US$ 1.3 million, comes at a time when many people with noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes are facing challenges with access to life-saving treatment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“For many people living with diabetes these are difficult times,” said Professor Andrew Boulton, President of the International Diabetes Federation. “They are both vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19 and struggling with day-to-day problems managing their diabetes, such as disrupted access to medication, equipment and health care. Initiatives to secure the supply of essential diabetes medicines, and of insulin in particular, are very welcome.” 

“We are very grateful for this timely donation of insulin,” said Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases at WHO. “It is the first donation of a medicine for a noncommunicable disease to WHO and it comes at a critical point.“ 

The selection of countries to receive this donation was based on their income group and information provided to WHO by ministries of health on the capacity of their health systems to manage storage and supply at a time when transport systems have been disrupted and health-care systems are stretched. 

In order to meet the long-term needs of people with diabetes, however, a sustainable supply of insulin, provided at prices that countries can afford, is needed. 

“We must not forget that as we approach the centenary of the discovery of insulin many people globally still face multiple hurdles in accessing insulin on a daily basis in normal circumstances,” said Dr Kaushik Ramaiya, Chair of the International Insulin Foundation. 

The donation comes several months after the inclusion of insulin in WHO’s prequalification programme, which accelerates and increases access to critical medical products that are quality-assured, affordable and adapted for markets in low- and middle-income countries. 

The effort to ensure a regular, affordable supply of insulin is just one of a number of strategies implemented by WHO to improve treatment of diabetes. In April, the Organization launched updated guidance on diagnosis, classification and management of type 2 diabetes intended for all those involved in planning and delivery of diabetes care. WHO also works with countries to promote healthy diets and physical activity to lower people’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Countries are addressing diabetes as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, committing to cut premature death from diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases by one third by 2030.

Source: www.who.int

IVERMECTIN SLASHES CORONAVIRUS VIRAL LOAD IN VITRO

Australian scientists have published research indicating that ivermectin, an approved anti-parasitic drug that is available worldwide, is highly effective against the Covid-19 virus when applied to an infected cell culture. The coronavirus pandemic has infected more than a million people worldwide and caused over 50,000 deaths.
At present there is no vaccine nor treatment for the condition.

The collaborative study led by Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) with the Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity showed that ivermectin reduced Covid-19 viral RNA present in the cell culture by 93% after 24 hours and by 99.8% after 48 hours - around a 5,000-fold reduction in coronavirus RNA, indicating that the ivermectin treatment was leading to the loss of "essentially all viral material".
Dr Kylie Wagstaff from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, said ""We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA by 48 hours and that even at 24 hours there was a really significant reduction in it."
Dr Wagstaff cautioned that the tests were carried out in vitro and trials would need to be carried out in people to see if the drug was truly effective against Covid-19.
Effective anti-viral could be key in the fight against Covid-19

The paper says that development of an effective anti-viral for the coronavirus, if given to patients early on in their infection could limit their viral load, stop the disease progressing and prevent transmission. They believe that ivermectin could be a useful antiviral in the fight against Covid-19.
Ivermectin is also being studied as a potential treatment for a number of other viruses, including dengue fever, HIV and Zika. It is on the World Health Organisation's list of essential medicines for the treatment of parasite infections, including head lice, scabies, river blindness, threadworm and whipworm, among others.

Source: as.com

Coronavirus Anxiety: Worry, Fear, and How Not to Panic

The newest form of coronavirus, COVID-19, is causing a pandemic of fear to spread across the globe. There’s even a name for the fear: coronavirus anxiety. Here’s what you need to know to remain healthy, both mentally and physically.

Why Are People So Anxious about Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Two types of anxiety are at work around COVID-19: health anxiety and fear of the unknown. These are common forms of anxiety that, when they occur together, can be debilitating and cause panic.
Health anxiety involves excessive fear, worries, and what-ifs about illness that consume time and attention. The more someone thinks about health-related anxieties, the more stuck in these fears they become. In the case of coronavirus, it has become hard to think of other things. Everywhere we turn, we hear reports (some factual and some fear-based rumor) that people are getting sick and dying.
These emotional reports are fueling fear of the unknown. This is a new strain of coronavirus (a coronavirus is simply a type of virus, responsible for strains of the common cold and more serious illnesses such as SARS). Because it’s new, doctors and scientists don’t know everything about it. Anxiety loves to step in with anything unknown and fill in the blanks with assumptions rather than fact. When left unchecked, they consume us.

How to Deal with Coronavirus Anxiety?

Reduce coronavirus anxiety and stay well with these tips:

*Keep your perspective. Rumors that society is shutting down because of coronavirus are just that—fear-based speculation. Remember that this gossip is fueled by health anxiety and fear of the unknown, and let your own knowledge override the rumors you hear.

*Do what you always do to stay healthy. Wash your hands often. Keep surfaces clean. Stay away from crowds when you can. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to boost your immune system.

*Don’t let empty store shelves fuel your own fear*. People are panicking because of exaggerated news reports,social media posts, and uninformed buzz. Use bleach, vinegar, baking soda, and other basic supplies you likely already have at home to sanitize like you do in any cold and flu season.

The COVID-19 threat is something to be taken seriously, but when you remember that the panic is fueled by fear of the unknown and health anxiety, you can pause, regain your perspective, and do what is in your control to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.

MENTAL ILLNESS, IT IS WITH US




Source: Unknown

GHANA CONFIRMED 2 COVID-19 CASES

The global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 100,000. Before 12th March 2020, there was no confirmed case in Ghana, although some countries in the sub region (Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Senegal) with strong cultural and economic ties to Ghana had confirmed cases. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) reminded all countries and communities that the spread of this virus can be significantly slowed or even reversed through the implementation of robust containment and control activities.

Ghana has confirmed two cases of COVID-19 later on Thursday March 12, 2020, being the first cases to be reported in the country.

The Minister for Health disclosed in a press statement that the two confirmed cases were received at the same time from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

Read full statement from the Health Ministry below:

WHO statement on cases of COVID-19 surpassing 100 000

The global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 100 000. As we mark this sombre moment, the World Health Organization (WHO) reminds all countries and communities that the spread of this virus can be significantly slowed or even reversed through the implementation of robust containment and control activities.

China and other countries are demonstrating that spread of the virus can be slowed and impact reduced through the use of universally applicable actions, such as working across society to identify people who are sick, bringing them to care, following up on contacts, preparing hospitals and clinics to manage a surge in patients, and training health workers.

WHO calls on all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus.

Every effort to contain the virus and slow the spread saves lives. These efforts give health systems and all of society much needed time to prepare, and researchers more time to identify effective treatments and develop vaccines.

Allowing uncontrolled spread should not be a choice of any government, as it will harm not only the citizens of that country but affect other countries as well.

We must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of this virus at every opportunity. Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system.

Leaders at all levels and in all walks of life must step forward to bring about this commitment across society.

WHO will continue to work with all countries, our partners and expert networks to coordinate the international response, develop guidance, distribute supplies, share knowledge and provide people with the information they need to protect themselves and others.

Ghana Investivating the Death of a Coronavirus Case

Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Badu Sarkodie has revealed that one person who showed symptoms of the deadly coronavirus died in Kumasi over the weekend, though he tested negative for the Covid-19 test.

The deceased according to Dr Badu Sarkodie, arrived in Ghana from Germany and reported of a condition that mimicked the Covid-19; but an emergency test on him proved that he was free of the virus. He, however, died later at the hospital.

The revelation is curious because, at least 129 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Germany, with the number of cases doubling yesterday.

More than half of the cases are in North Rhine-Westphalia, which counts Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Dortmund as its biggest cities; there are large Ghanaian communities in all these cities.

Dr Badu Sarkodie, however, could not readily tell what killed the person but said the Ghana Health Service is still investigating the matter with the aid of the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research; this is the first death in the 26 suspected cases of the deadly disease that have proven negative in Ghana since the outbreak.

This comes on the back of pressure group, OccupyGhana’s seven-point recommendation that could help Ghana position itself to counter the outbreak of the virus.

In planning for a possible COVID-19 outbreak, OccupyGhana has suggested that Ghana considers the following variables:1 – Surveillance;2 – Containment; 3 – Prevention; 4 – Testing; 5 – Treatment; 6 – Coordination; and 7 – Finance.

But Dr Badu Sarkodie says the country’s points of entry are under constant surveillance to curb the infiltration of the disease; he spoke with Kwame Sefa Kayi on Peace FM on Monday morning.



Source: www.ghanaweb.com

MY PERIOD: MY VALENTINE

Many cultures have beliefs, myths and taboos relating to menstruation. Almost always, there are social norms or unwritten rules and practices about managing menstruation and interacting with menstruating women. Some of these are helpful but others have potentially harmful implications.
Periods are a natural, healthy part of a girl's life. They shouldn't get in the way of exercising, having fun, and enjoying life.

Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman's monthly cycle. Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus, or womb, sheds its lining. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus. It passes out of the body through the vagina. It usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter (2 days) or last longer (14 days).

Periods usually start between age 11 and 14 and continue until menopause at about age 51. They usually last from three to five days. Besides bleeding from the vagina, you may have
* Abdominal or pelvic cramping pain
* Lower back pain
* Bloating and sore breasts
* Food cravings
* Mood swings and irritability
* Headache and fatigue

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms that start before the period. It can include emotional and physical symptoms.

How Often Does a Period Happen?
Periods usually happen about once every 21-40 days,  average 28 days.

Should I Use a Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup?
You have many choices about how to deal with period blood. You may need to experiment a bit to find which works best for you. Some girls use only one method and others switch between different methods.

access to menstrual hygiene products to absorb or collect menstrual blood, privacy to change the materials, and access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials. Menstrual hygiene management can be particularly challenging for girls and women in most local communities, where clean water and toilet facilities are often inadequate.

Should I Watch for Any Problems?
Most girls don't have any problems with their periods. But make an appointment  with your doctor if you:

^ are 15 and haven't started your period
^ have had your period for more than 2 years and it still doesn't come regularly (about every 21–40 days)
^ have bleeding between periodshave severe cramps that don't get better with ibuprofen or paracetamol
^ have very heavy bleeding (bleeding that goes through a pad or tampon faster than every 1 hour)
^ have periods that last more than 14 days
^ have severe PMS that gets in the way of your everyday activities



Reference
HOUSE et al. 2012
kidshealth.org
medlineplus.gov




By Lewis Rosemary

Rosemary is a certified Registered Nurse who is now volunteering her time and clinical knowledge at Tadankro CHPS of the Ghana Health Service in the Akuapem North Municipal to ensuring Universal Health Coverage. She enjoys listening to music and watching movies.
Rosemary is available for health promotion
You can reach her via Email: lewisrosemary93@gmail.com

Coronavirus: Update From Ghana

Two foreign nationals on Wednesday reported at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital having developed some symptoms suspected to be coronavirus.

The patients, a Chinese and an Argentine who have been living together in the country for some days, have been isolated at the facility while blood samples taken have been sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), for further analysis.

Greater Accra Divisional Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr Winifred Baah revealed on the PM Express on JoyNews Wednesday.

Dr Baah explained that the Chinese left the home country for Ghana sometime in September 2019 while the Argentine, who was in Shanghai, joined the Chinese in Ghana in January.

“They’ve all developed some symptoms that fit the case definition [but] it doesn’t mean they have the disease,” he clarified.

He said another round of testing is expected to be conducted on the two nationals Thursday.

He explained that the patients initially visited an unnamed private facility in the capital and reported the condition and were directed by the medical staff there to report to Korle Bu.

Dr Baah wants the authorities to adequately resource health facilities for them to properly prepare to handle the situation as well as manage communication among health workers.

Suspected Case at KIA
Earlier on the same programme, the National Coordinator for Port Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Dennis Laryea disclosed, health officers recently picked one person for testing after he showed symptoms of the virus at the Kotoka International Airport.

He said the individual was kept in isolation for about six hours while the result was being confirmed. Fortunately, he tested negative of the virus, Dr. Laryea added.

“The gentleman wasn’t very happy but he understood that we were doing this in the interest of public safety,” he said.

In a press statement signed by the Minister of Health (Hon. Kwaku Agyeman Manu), he said "As at 6th February,2O2O, there has been 28,28O confirmed cases and 565 deaths globally. Here in Ghana we have recorded 9 suspected cases including the recent 2 from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.  All of these cases have tested negative.
We wish to provide assurance to the people of Ghana that the Government,
Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service working in collaboration with partners
are doing everything possible to prevent and protect against the importation of the virus into the country and prevent spread. We continue to advise citizens to remain calm"

Source: Joy News

WHO Declared The Coronavirus As Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Here's What That Means

The World Health Organization (WHO) took the rare step Thursday of declaring a novel coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). But what does that actually mean?

The WHO defines a PHEIC as an “extraordinary event” that “constitute[s] a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease” and “potentially require[s] a coordinated international response.” Since that framework was defined in 2005—two years after another coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), spread through China—it has been used only six times: for outbreaks of “swine flu” in 2009, polio in 2014, Ebola in 2014, Zika virus in 2016, Ebola in 2019 and, now, coronavirus in 2020.

A PHEIC is meant to mobilize international response to an outbreak. It’s an opportunity for the WHO, with guidance from its International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, to implement “non-binding but practically & politically significant measures that can address travel, trade, quarantine, screening, treatment. WHO can also set global standards of practice,” the organization tweeted.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that, at its core, a PHEIC is about prompting countries to work together to contain a threat. It is not about punishing China, nor doubting its ability to contain the outbreak, he said at a press conference Thursday.

“This declaration is not because China is not doing what it can,” Ghebreyesus said. “It’s actually doing more than what China is required to do. [The PHEIC is about] protecting countries with weaker health systems.”

In this case, the WHO advises countries not to unnecessarily restrict travel and trade to China; to support nations with weaker health systems; accelerate the development of vaccines and treatments; stop the spread of rumors and misinformation; work to treat those who are already sick while limiting spread; share knowledge with the WHO and other countries; and work together “in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.”

In a statement also released Thursday, the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, an independent body that works toward preparedness for global health crises, encouraged nations to invest in their own public health and outbreak response systems while supporting the WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Countries are not compelled to contribute based on the PHEIC designation, but Ghebreyesus tweeted that the WHO “welcome[s] their call for countries to sustainably finance WHO’s preparedness and response activities.”

SOURCE: TIME.COM

"HOW IUD GAVE ME CERVICAL CANCER: STACEY AMOATENG’S SAD STORY.”

REJOINDER BY SOGOG ON "HOW IUD GAVE ME CERVICAL CANCER: STACEY AMOATENG’S SAD   STORY.”

The attention of SOGOG (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana) has been drawn to a YouTube video being circulated on social media with the above caption in which Mrs. Stacey Amoateng alleges that she acquired cervical cancer from the use of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). 

While our Society empathizes with Mrs. Stacey Amoateng’s predicament and appreciates her apparent drive to help prevent cervical cancer through public education and screening services, the Society will like to correct the misinformation being conveyed by the contents of the said video.

SOGOG hereby informs all persons that at present, there is NO scientific data or evidence to support the assertion that any form of the Intrauterine Device (IUD) causes cervical cancer.

The Society states emphatically that the Copper IUD, which is one of two forms of IUD available in the country, is a SAFE and EFFECTIVE form of long-term reversible contraception, and couples who desire to use them or are currently using them can safely do so without any fear or panic.

The Society also cautions the general public that cervical cancer generally has no symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening with the Pap Smear, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid 

(VIA) and testing for High-Risk Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is recommended for early detection and prevention advance disease. 

However, any woman diagnosed with cervical cancer is advised to comply with medical treatment which includes surgery and chemo-radiation therapy.

Good nutrition and prayer, whiles good for general health and well-being, are not specific treatment modalities for cervical cancer.

 Signed by 

    Dr Ali Samba

(President of SOGOG)

SCALE UP ANTENATAL CARE AT THE COMMUNITY

Progress to maternal health services to ensuring universal health coverage (health for all) has been slow despite the successes made.

Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. When detected early in pregnancy, it can be treated; however,  access to equipment to check blood level (Heamoglobin) of pregnant women especially during the first antenatal visit, 28 weeks and 36 weeks gestation is limited in rural Ghana. 

Although checking of haemoglobin during pregnancy booking and at least 28 weeks gestation and 36 weeks gestation is routine for all pregnant women across the country the major challenge is the Haemoglobin  Meters not many enough.
The few machines are only found in the hospitals, poly clinics and few health centres, hence pregnant mothers are expected to travel from the indigenous communities to queue for the service.
The stress these women go through has prevented most people in seeking early antenatal care at the community.

 To the improve the situation:
1. Government should equip health centres and CHPS compounds with simple Haemoglobin Meter to check the haemoglobin level of pregnant women during first antenatal visits, 28 weeks gestation and 36 weeks gestation.
2. Civil society organisations and cooperate institutions should support the health sector with Haemoglobin Meters to equip the local facilities.
3. The health should zone satellite laboratory centres to calm the current situation.
4. Private sector laboratory centres should partner district and municipal health directorate to reach out to the had-to-reach areas.

The cheerful face a woman gets when she realizes she has conceived turns into grief when there are complications before, during and after pregnancy as a result of anaemia.