Ghana’s Mpox Cases Double to Four as New Infections Emerge in Accra and Western Region
Ghana has confirmed two new Mpox cases, bringing the nation’s total infections to four. The latest cases were detected in the Greater Accra and Western Regions, with no known links to previous infections – suggesting potential community spread of the viral disease. In a May 18 statement, Ghana Health Service (GHS) Director-General Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea outlined containment measures, including: Health officials urge citizens to:✔ Wash hands frequently with soap✔ Avoid contact with symptomatic persons✔ Report suspected cases immediately Mpox spreads through contact with infected humans, animals, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, distinctive rashes, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection and isolation remain crucial to controlling outbreaks. The GHS and Health Ministry have called on media outlets to help educate the public about prevention. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging past outbreak experience to safeguard public health nationwide.
Read moreThe Ministry of Health is set to commence the recruitment process for Medical Officers on May 16.
The Ministry of Health has officially announced the commencement of its recruitment process for Medical Officers who have successfully completed their Housemanship and have been duly verified by the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) under the 34th and 35th batch lists. This significant exercise is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare system by deploying qualified professionals to various health agencies across the country. According to an official statement from the Ministry, the recruitment window will open on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Eligible candidates are urged to take prompt action to ensure their applications are submitted in a timely manner. The application process is to be completed exclusively through the Ministry’s official Human Resources online portal: https://hr.moh.gov.gh. Applicants are advised to carefully follow all instructions provided on the portal. A key requirement is for candidates to select their preferred agency or institution under the Ministry of Health, where they wish to be posted. This selection should be made based on personal interest, availability, and the needs of the healthcare system. The deadline for submission of applications is Monday, May 26, 2025, at exactly 6:00 p.m. The Ministry emphasized that late submissions will not be accepted, and no manual applications will be considered. In a cautionary note, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process. It strongly warned applicants to be vigilant and avoid individuals or groups who may seek to manipulate the process or demand unauthorized payments with false promises of job placement. Any suspicious activities should be reported to the appropriate authorities for immediate investigation. This recruitment initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare delivered by skilled and competent professionals.
Read moreAfrica faces critical shortage of oral health workers amid rising disease burden
Brazzaville, 12 May 2025 – A new fact sheet released by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights an alarming and persistent crisis in oral health workforce capacity across the African continent. Chronic underinvestment in oral health services has left millions without access to essential care, making them increasingly vulnerable to preventable oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, and tooth loss. According to the WHO’s findings, the African region has recorded the steepest rise in oral disease cases globally over the past three decades. In 2021 alone, approximately 42% of the population in Africa was affected by untreated oral conditions underscoring a profound gap in prevention and care services. This crisis is exacerbated by a critical shortage of skilled oral health workers. Between 2014 and 2019, the region’s ratio of dentists and other oral health workers per 10,000 people stood at just one-tenth and one-sixth of the global average, respectively. By 2022, only about 57,000 oral health professionals were actively serving the continent, accounting for a mere 1.11% of the total health workforce. This equated to a troubling ratio of 0.37 professionals per 10,000 individuals far below the 1.33 per 10,000 needed to meet even basic universal health coverage (UHC) benchmarks. The WHO estimates that to achieve the 2030 UHC targets, Africa will require nearly 200,000 oral health workers, including over 100,000 dentists and 95,000 dental assistants and therapists. Despite the urgency of the situation, oral health continues to be deprioritized in many African countries. The issue is frequently treated in isolation from general health policy, leading to fragmented training, underfunded infrastructure, and inefficient resource allocation. While there are over 4,000 health training institutions in the region, only 84 dental schools have been identified across just 26 Member States a stark mismatch that illustrates the scale of the problem. Moreover, access to vital oral health services remains dismally low. Only 17% of the population benefits from essential oral health interventions under the major public health insurance schemes. Efforts to implement preventive strategies, such as increasing fluoride exposure and reducing sugar consumption, are progressing slowly. “It is unacceptable for oral health to remain on the periphery of health policy in Africa,” stated Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Oral diseases are not trivial they have lasting impacts on overall health, education, employability, and quality of life. Governments must take decisive steps to expand the oral health workforce, increase funding, and embed oral health in the…
Read more5 secrets to a happy family
Building a Happy Family: Key Ingredients for Long-Lasting Joy and Connection For many people, the dream of creating a happy family is a cherished life goal. Yet, the meaning of a “happy family” varies from person to person. Far beyond the idealized images often portrayed in movies and television, real family happiness stems from conscious efforts, shared values, and intentional practices. As new couples start their journey or established families seek deeper fulfillment, several foundational habits have been identified as essential for cultivating joy and harmony at home. Prioritizing Communication as a Daily Ritual Open and honest communication is at the heart of every strong family. Experts advise dedicating at least 30 minutes a day to meaningful conversations with loved ones. Mealtime, especially dinner, provides an ideal opportunity for family members to sit together, share stories about their day, and strengthen their emotional connection. Such intentional dialogue not only deepens bonds but also fosters trust, especially between parents and children. Children who routinely communicate with their parents are often more confident and more willing to express themselves. To preserve the quality of these moments, families are encouraged to turn off all distractions mobile phones, televisions, and tablets ensuring undivided attention during interactions. In challenging times, strong communication helps families navigate difficulties together. Creating Shared Experiences through Joint Routines Regular family activities help reinforce emotional ties and build shared memories. Whether it’s a Sunday morning bike ride, a monthly dinner at a favorite restaurant, or annual vacations, spending quality time together contributes to a family’s collective well-being. These routines enhance emotional intimacy, particularly between parents and children, and create a space where every member feels valued. Balancing Work Commitments with Family Life In today’s fast-paced world, striking a balance between career and family is challenging but essential. When engaging in family time, parents are advised to mentally detach from work obligations. Avoiding phone calls and emails during family moments sends a clear message: family comes first. Such actions affirm to spouses and children that they are a top priority, fostering emotional security and self-worth. On the contrary, consistently bringing work into family spaces may cause children and partners to feel secondary. Families that consciously draw boundaries around work tend to enjoy stronger interpersonal relationships. Encouraging Shared Decision-Making Empowering all members of the family especially children to participate in decision-making fosters inclusiveness and mutual respect. Jointly deciding on vacation spots, household chores, or even dinner plans can give children a sense…
Read moreGhana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Facilitates UK Medical Visa for Woman Injured in Accidental Eye Shooting
In a commendable show of prompt diplomatic and humanitarian response, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has successfully facilitated a United Kingdom visa for a young woman who sustained a critical injury after being accidentally shot in the eye. The intervention comes as part of a coordinated effort to ensure the victim receives urgent and specialized medical care abroad. The incident, which drew public attention and emotional responses from citizens, involved a woman who was unintentionally struck in the eye by a discharged firearm under circumstances that are still being investigated. The severity of her injury demanded advanced ophthalmic treatment that was not readily available in Ghana, prompting appeals from the public, media, and civil society for immediate intervention from government authorities. Responding swiftly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated a series of diplomatic engagements with the British High Commission in Accra to expedite the visa process. According to an official statement, the Ministry took into consideration the life-altering nature of the injury and the urgency of securing expert medical attention. Their efforts, which included preparing and submitting the necessary medical reports and documentation, culminated in the timely issuance of a UK visa for the patient and her accompanying guardian. The Ministry emphasized that its intervention aligns with the government’s broader commitment to protecting the welfare of its citizens, both at home and abroad. They reiterated that, while visa facilitation is not typically within their core operational functions, exceptions are made on humanitarian grounds, especially when lives are at stake. Family members of the victim have expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry and all individuals and institutions involved in making the urgent travel arrangements possible. Medical professionals in the UK are now preparing to receive the patient for a thorough assessment and likely surgical intervention to restore or preserve her vision. This case has reignited national discussions about gun safety, emergency medical preparedness, and the need for improved local capacity in managing complex trauma cases. Many Ghanaians are now calling for stricter regulations on firearm handling and renewed investment in specialized healthcare infrastructure to reduce the need for medical evacuations abroad in the future. The Foreign Ministry’s quick response has not only offered hope to the injured woman and her family but also showcased the power of timely intergovernmental collaboration in life-threatening situations.
Read moreDoctors Suspend Emergency and Outpatient Care at Tamale Teaching Hospital
Doctors at Tamale Teaching Hospital Suspend Emergency and Outpatient Services Over Ministerial Misconduct and Resource Challenges Doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have announced the indefinite suspension of all emergency and outpatient services in response to what they describe as “unwarranted attacks” by Ghana’s Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini. This decision, which marks a significant escalation in tensions between medical professionals and government officials, was reached during an emergency general assembly convened by the Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) on Wednesday, April 23. The suspension follows an incident that occurred during the Health Minister’s visit to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on Tuesday, April 22. According to DATTH, the conduct of both the Minister and the MP during the visit was disrespectful and undermined the professionalism of medical staff. In a strongly worded statement issued shortly before the decision to suspend services, DATTH condemned the incident, describing it as a direct affront to healthcare workers operating under already strenuous conditions. Effective immediately, all emergency and outpatient services including the General Outpatient Department (OPD), Antenatal Clinic, Specialist Clinic, and Paediatrics OPD have been halted. However, DATTH clarified that inpatient care would continue, ensuring that admitted patients receive the necessary attention until they are safely discharged. Central to the doctors’ demands is an unconditional public apology from both Hon. Akandoh and Hon. Suhuyini. The association insists that apologies must be directed not only to Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, who was reportedly singled out during the altercation, but also to all medical personnel at TTH, particularly those stationed at the Accident and Emergency Department. DATTH has made it clear that emergency and outpatient services will only resume upon receipt of what they deem to be “appropriate and sincere” apologies. Beyond addressing issues of professional respect and workplace dignity, DATTH has used this opportunity to highlight critical logistical and infrastructural deficiencies plaguing the hospital. In a comprehensive list submitted to hospital management, the doctors outlined immediate needs such as reliable water supply, stable electricity, continuous oxygen availability, and basic clinical consumables, including gloves, gauze, syringes, cannulae, face masks, and disinfectants. They stressed that the absence of these essentials severely hampers their ability to provide quality care. The association also pointed to the chronic shortage of laboratory reagents, malfunctioning medical equipment, and the urgent requirement for vital tools such as ventilators, transport incubators, and functioning autoclave machines. For sustainable…
Read more“16 Killed in Tragic Gas Cylinder Blast Along Abeokuta-Sagamu Highway”
No fewer than 16 people were tragically burnt beyond recognition, and three others sustained injuries in a fatal crash that occurred around 1 pm on Tuesday near Buhari Estate along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway. The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Florence Okpe. According to Okpe, the crash involved a white Mazda bus (registration number KJA 949 YJ) carrying a filled gas cylinder. A fire outbreak triggered a massive explosion, resulting in the devastating loss of lives. “A total of 21 people were involved in the crash. Sixteen victims were burnt beyond recognition, making it impossible to determine their genders at the scene, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta,” she explained. Sector Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, who led the rescue operation, expressed deep concern over the driver’s negligence. He criticized the transportation of a filled gas cylinder in a passenger vehicle, emphasizing that highly flammable materials should only be transported in specialized vehicles operated by trained professionals. Fasakin also assisted in clearing the wreckage and restoring traffic flow on the busy expressway. The FRSC boss urged motorists and passengers to prioritize safety and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd
Read more“Mateta Hospitalized Following Goalkeeper’s Dangerous Tackle in FA Cup Match”
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was rushed to the hospital following a dangerous tackle by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round match. The incident occurred when Roberts, rushing out of his penalty area to clear a long ball, struck Mateta in the side of the face with a high follow-through. Mateta remained on the ground for several minutes before being taken off in a neck brace and transported by ambulance. Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed at halftime that Mateta was “conscious” but had sustained a serious gash behind his ear. Parish expressed his outrage, calling it “one of the worst challenges” he had ever seen, emphasizing the lack of “duty of care” shown by Roberts. Manager Oliver Glasner provided an update after the match, stating, “He’s conscious and in the hospital, but his ear looks terrible. It’s a very serious injury, and we hope for the best.” Despite the incident, Palace secured a 3-1 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals. Referee Michael Oliver initially did not issue a card but later gave Roberts a red after reviewing the tackle with VAR. Glasner acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding the win, saying, “We can’t be really happy today. Losing a player, especially to a foul like this, leaves you with two different feelings.” Mateta, Palace’s top scorer with 12 Premier League goals this season, is expected to undergo further medical evaluation. The club and fans await updates on his condition as they prepare for their next FA Cup fixture.
Read more“Pope Experiences Peaceful Night Following Breathing Scare, Vatican Confirms”
Pope Francis, hospitalized for two weeks due to pneumonia in both lungs, experienced a peaceful night following a breathing crisis on Friday, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was placed on a ventilator after the isolated incident, has been resting as Catholics worldwide pray for his recovery. “The pope spent a peaceful night and is resting,” the Holy See stated, adding that he woke up, had breakfast, and read the newspapers as usual. A Vatican source noted that there were no further breathing crises overnight, but doctors are monitoring the next 24 to 48 hours to determine whether the episode has worsened his condition. The pope’s prognosis remains “reserved,” with no changes reported. Outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where Francis is being treated, well-wishers braved the rain to light candles and pray at the foot of a statue of John Paul II. Among them was an elderly man who stood silently with a lit candle before placing it at the statue’s base. A group of nuns also gathered to pray for the pontiff, while handwritten messages, children’s drawings, and balloons bearing Francis’s image expressed support for “Papa Francesco.” Medical experts caution that the pope’s age and chronic respiratory issues mean his recovery will be slow. Francis, who leads the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics, had part of a lung removed in his youth and has faced increasing health challenges in recent years, including bronchitis, hip and knee pain, and reliance on a wheelchair. Despite his condition, the pope has continued to work from his hospital suite on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, engaging in breathing exercises, prayer, and rest between his duties. This marks Francis’s fourth hospitalization during his nearly 12-year papacy and his longest stay to date. Previous health issues include colon surgery, a hernia operation, and a prior hospitalization for bronchitis. Speculation has grown about whether Francis might consider resigning, particularly given his demanding schedule amid the holy Jubilee year celebrations. Vatican expert Marco Politi suggested that if the pope recovers, he may aim to complete the Jubilee year before addressing the possibility of stepping down at age 89. Francis has previously expressed openness to following the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 due to declining health. However, before his hospitalization, Francis had repeatedly stated that the time for resignation had not yet come and might never arrive. As the world watches and prays, the pope’s resilience and determination continue…
Read moreWhen Your Most Charming Qualities Start to Give Your Partner ‘the Ick’
The qualities that initially draw us to a partner those standout traits that make them uniquely appealing can sometimes become the very reasons a relationship falls apart. What begins as admiration can, over time, transform into dissatisfaction, a phenomenon known as “fatal attraction.” This intriguing dynamic highlights how the traits we once found irresistible can eventually feel like dealbreakers. One of the more unusual terms to enter the cultural lexicon in 2024 is “the ick,” recently added to the Cambridge Dictionary. The term describes that sudden, gut-wrenching moment when a partner’s behavior or characteristic becomes so unattractive that it irrevocably changes how we see them. Unlike other relationship issues, “the ick” is often seen as incurable a fleeting yet powerful shift in perception that can spell the end of a romance. While “the ick” might sound lighthearted, it underscores a deeper truth: the qualities we initially adore in a partner can later become sources of frustration or even repulsion. This phenomenon, referred to as “fatal attraction,” occurs when someone grows to dislike aspects of a partner they were once drawn to. As Diane Felmlee, a social psychologist at Penn State University, explains, “It doesn’t mean fatal in the sense of deadly, but fatal as in prophetic.” In other words, the seeds of a breakup can sometimes be found in the very traits that sparked the relationship. Felmlee’s research delves into the reasons people are initially attracted to their partners, why they become dissatisfied, and what ultimately leads to breakups. She found that many people cite unmet needs as a primary cause for ending a relationship. However, these unmet needs often stem from the same qualities that initially made their partner appealing. For example, someone might be drawn to a partner’s considerate nature, only to later complain that they apologize too much. “It’s a negative way of looking at a positive trait,” Felmlee notes. Other examples abound: a partner with a high-powered job might initially seem ambitious and successful, but over time, their long hours at work could feel neglectful. A funny, lighthearted partner might eventually be seen as unserious or irresponsible. Easygoing partners might start to seem flaky or unreliable. “Easygoing is great, as long as you’re punctual,” Felmlee quips. Similarly, traits like strength and confidence can later be perceived as controlling or overbearing, while kindness might be reinterpreted as being a pushover. Felmlee’s research suggests that the stronger the initial attraction to a particular trait, the more likely…
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