Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Doris Anum-Dorhuso, the 61-year-old with her daughter, Naa Dromo, the two medical specialists that saw her through the process - Dr Richard Asamoah (extreme right), Specialist Obsterician Gynaecologist and Stem Cell Practitioner, and Dr Davis Kofie Adedze (middle), Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mary-Lucy Hospital, Awoshie in Accra, at the press conference. On the extreme left is Christian Owusu-Boateng, Chief Administrator of the hospital
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Doris Anum-Dorhuso Delivers First Baby at 61 via Advanced IVF Amid Calls for Comprehensive Maternal Mental Health Support

In a landmark achievement for fertility medicine in Ghana, 61-year-old Doris Anum-Dorhuso has successfully given birth to her first child, a daughter named Naa Dromo. This historic event occurred at Mary-Lucy Hospital in Accra on July 2, 2026, following a specialized Stem Cell-Enhanced In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedure. Mrs. Anum-Dorhuso, who had previously been told she had no chance of conception due to her advanced age and a history of fibroid surgery, welcomed her baby just days before her 62nd birthday. The successful delivery marks a significant milestone in assisted reproductive technology within the country, showcasing the potential of modern science to overcome long-standing barriers to motherhood. Hospital officials have hailed the birth as a breakthrough that offers renewed hope to women struggling with infertility across the region. The use of stem cell enhancement in the IVF process represents an evolving frontier in local medical practice, addressing complex reproductive cases that were once deemed impossible. According to medical staff, the pregnancy proceeded without complications, demonstrating the potential of advanced reproductive treatments to expand the window of childbearing for Ghanaian women. This achievement underscores the growing capabilities of Ghana's health sector in delivering innovative solutions that align with global fertility standards. Alongside these physical medical advancements, health experts are emphasizing the critical psychological dimensions of the maternal journey. Counselling Psychologist Esther Kyewaa Opoku has highlighted the importance of recognizing that maternal mental health issues, particularly postpartum depression (PPD), can often begin during pregnancy rather than after childbirth. While the joy of a new birth like Mrs. Anum-Dorhuso's is celebrated, Opoku notes that significant hormonal shifts following conception influence a woman’s emotions, sleep patterns, and decision-making processes. She advocates for proactive mental health support, noting that the emotional well-being of the mother is as vital as the physical success of the pregnancy itself. The convergence of breakthrough fertility treatments and increased awareness of perinatal mental health highlights a more holistic approach to maternal care in Ghana. As technologies like Stem Cell-Enhanced IVF become more accessible, the medical community is urging a parallel focus on the psychological welfare of expectant and new mothers. For women whose journey to motherhood spans decades, the combination of advanced clinical intervention and robust mental health awareness ensures that the next generation of Ghanaian mothers is supported through every stage of their transformative experience.

Some of the residents displaying placards during the demonstration
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McCarthy Hill Residents Protest Waste Hazards as Environmental Experts Demand Urgent Reform of Ghana's Sanitation Sector

Residents of McCarthy Hill and the local landlords' association have intensified calls for the immediate removal of a former dumping site, citing severe public health risks and environmental degradation. During a recent demonstration, community members expressed frustration over slow remediation efforts and a persistent fly infestation that has compromised the quality of life in the area. Association spokesperson William Quartey emphasized that the stagnant waste poses ongoing risks to the community, particularly as the site is situated within a Ramsar-protected wetland. The residents are demanding that the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly and relevant environmental agencies provide a clear timeline for the full evacuation of refuse and the subsequent restoration of the land. The crisis at McCarthy Hill highlights a broader systemic failure in waste management across the country, which environmental experts argue is being exacerbated by the rise of informal waste collectors known as 'Aboboya.' Experts including Dr. Juliet Ohemeng Ntiamoah and Dr. Richard Fiadomor are advocating for a ban or stricter regulation of these tricycle operators. They contend that while these informal collectors are popular due to flexible pricing, they often lack the proper equipment for safe disposal, leading to unauthorized dumping in sensitive areas. Dr. Ntiamoah noted that these operators undermine the regulated waste management system and contribute to the very environmental hazards currently plaguing communities like McCarthy Hill. Addressing these challenges requires a two-pronged approach: immediate local intervention and long-term national policy reform. Residents in McCarthy Hill have requested urgent fumigation to control the fly infestation while the evacuation process is finalized. Concurrently, environmental experts are calling on the government to increase investment in formal waste management infrastructure and to enforce more rigorous oversight of licensed companies. The experts suggest that without a coordinated strategy to integrate or replace informal operators with a functional, well-funded system, Ghana will continue to face recurring issues of illegal dumping, flooding, and public health emergencies. Ultimately, the situation at McCarthy Hill serves as a microcosm of Ghana's sanitation struggles. The demand for the restoration of Ramsar-protected lands reflects a growing public consciousness regarding environmental preservation and its direct link to health outcomes. As the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly faces pressure to act, the national conversation continues to shift toward whether the 'Aboboya' model is sustainable or if a complete overhaul of the waste collection framework is necessary to protect the nation's environmental future.

Korle Bu seeks information from Mzbel following social media claims about sister's death
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Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Probes Mzbel’s Claims of Sister’s Death Over Alleged Bed Shortage

The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has formally requested Ghanaian musician Mzbel to provide detailed information to facilitate an internal investigation into the death of her sister, Laila. The request follows a series of social media posts by the artist, in which she alleged that a lack of available beds at the facility—a persistent issue often referred to as 'no-bed syndrome'—contributed to her relative's passing. The hospital's management has expressed its intent to verify the details surrounding the patient's treatment and has reached out to the musician to assist in establishing the facts of the case. In an official statement released on July 7, 2026, the hospital management emphasized the seriousness with which it treats allegations concerning patient care and emergency services. While offering sincere condolences to the bereaved family, the administration highlighted its commitment to adhering to government directives regarding emergency patient care. These directives mandate that no patient in a critical condition should be turned away. The hospital has urged Mzbel to use its established complaint channels to provide the necessary information for a thorough and transparent review of the events leading to her sister's death. Mzbel has since responded to the hospital's statement, acknowledging the condolences while standing by her family's account of the incident. In a post shared on July 8, 2026, she expressed gratitude for the hospital's formal recognition of the tragedy but maintained that her concerns were rooted in the direct experience of her family during their time of crisis. Her response underscores a call for accountability and better management of emergency cases at the nation's premier teaching hospital to prevent future occurrences of such nature. This development has reignited public discourse regarding the healthcare system's capacity to handle emergencies and the impact of bed shortages on patient outcomes in Ghana. Korle Bu has assured the public that it will conduct a comprehensive investigation once it receives the specific details from the family. The outcome of this probe is expected to address the specific allegations raised and could lead to further scrutiny of emergency response protocols within the country's major healthcare institutions.

Some of the exhibits picked from one of the facilities visited
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Health Minister Declares Tapentadol Illegal as FDA Arrests Six in Crackdown on Illicit Substances

Ghana’s Ministry of Health and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) have intensified their joint efforts to combat the rise of illicit substance abuse across the country. In a major policy directive, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially declared that pharmaceutical products containing tapentadol—widely known on the streets as "Red"—are unregistered and illegal for medical use in Ghana. This declaration coincides with a targeted enforcement operation by the FDA’s Tobacco and Substances of Abuse Directorate, which resulted in the arrest of six individuals for the sale of dangerous, unregistered substances in Nungua. The enforcement operation in Nungua targeted three entertainment venues following intelligence reports regarding the sale of prohibited products. During the raid, FDA officials seized quantities of nitrous oxide and Benylin cough syrup containing codeine, leading to the arrest of two suspects at each location. These individuals have since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. The FDA emphasized that these operations are part of its broader mandate to ensure product safety and protect the public from the devastating health consequences of substance misuse. Central to the government’s current health agenda is the total ban on tapentadol. Minister Akandoh clarified that no tapentadol products are currently included in Ghana’s Essential Medicines List, making their possession, distribution, or sale a criminal offense. The drug "Red," which is typically a potent mixture of tapentadol and cough syrup, has been identified as a significant public health risk. The Minister noted that the FDA has not registered any form of this opioid for clinical use, and its presence on the market poses a direct threat to the safety of Ghanaian citizens, particularly the youth. To ensure the effective removal of these substances from the market, the FDA is collaborating closely with the Pharmacy Council to conduct rigorous surveillance at retail pharmacies. This partnership aims to identify and seize unregistered medicines while educating retailers on the legal and health risks associated with opioid misuse. Authorities have established strict protocols for the safe disposal of seized products and warned that all offenders will face severe legal sanctions. Moving forward, the Ministry of Health and the FDA remain committed to sustained surveillance and public awareness campaigns to eradicate the illicit trade of dangerous narcotics.

Health Experts Issue Post-Flood Disease Warnings as Dr. Oduro Champions Salt Awareness
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Health Experts Issue Post-Flood Disease Warnings as Dr. Oduro Champions Salt Awareness

In the aftermath of the severe flooding that struck Accra on June 29, health and nutrition professionals have issued urgent warnings regarding the heightened risk of waterborne and foodborne diseases. Residents in affected areas are being cautioned that the disruption of sanitation systems has created ideal breeding grounds for pathogens, significantly increasing the likelihood of outbreaks such as cholera. Public health officials emphasize that immediate adherence to safety protocols is essential to preventing a surge in illness across the capital, as the contaminated environment poses a direct threat to community well-being. Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Registered Dietitian Nana Ama Dwamena advised residents to be extremely selective about their food and water sources during this period. She specifically urged individuals to consume only hot, freshly cooked meals and to strictly avoid ready-to-eat items sold in open spaces, such as pre-cut fruits and salads. To minimize exposure to contaminated water, experts recommend drinking only treated or bottled water, noting that even sachet water can become unsafe if exposed to floodwaters. Regular handwashing and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms like severe diarrhea and dehydration remain critical preventive measures to curb the spread of infection. Beyond the immediate environmental health threats, creative advocacy is also being used to tackle chronic lifestyle-related conditions in Ghana. Dr. Oduro, a Doctor of Pharmacy and renowned Hiplife musician, has launched a new health awareness campaign through his song "Gishiri," which means salt in Hausa. The initiative aims to educate the public on the dangers of excessive salt consumption, which is a leading contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease. Dr. Oduro, who rose to fame with hits like "Abiba," is utilizing his platform and the Dr. Oduro Foundation to bridge the gap between entertainment and healthcare education, supporting communities through both music and philanthropic initiatives. These concurrent health efforts—one reactive to environmental disasters and the other proactive against lifestyle diseases—highlight the multifaceted challenges facing Ghana's public health sector. While immediate vigilance is required to curb the threat of cholera in the wake of the June floods, long-term educational initiatives like those led by the Dr. Oduro Foundation are vital for improving the nation's overall health outcomes. Health authorities continue to urge the public to prioritize hygiene and moderate dietary habits to safeguard their well-being in both the short and long term.

Officials of Gold Fields Foundattion and World Vision Ghana inaugurating the water system for Damang community
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Ghana Healthcare Infrastructure Receives Boost with New Facilities and Water Systems in DBI, Tarkwa, and Cape Coast

Significant advancements in Ghana’s healthcare sector have been recorded across several districts, with local assemblies and international partners commissioning vital infrastructure to improve maternal and emergency medical services. In the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) District, the Assembly has invested over GH¢300,000 to modernize healthcare delivery and expand water access. This initiative is mirrored in the Tarkwa Municipality, where the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and World Vision have partnered to provide a solar-powered water system for the Damang community, specifically targeting healthcare and educational facilities to ensure sustainable clinical hygiene. The DBI District’s intervention addresses critical deficits, including the replacement of broken delivery beds—some of which were previously propped up by stones—with 10 modern medical beds. Furthermore, the Assembly completed a comprehensive renovation of a medical doctor’s bungalow at the Issa Polyclinic. This move allows Dr. Paschalina Langmagne, the district’s only medical doctor, to reside locally rather than face a grueling 80 km daily commute. Alongside these facility upgrades, 19 new water boreholes were commissioned to resolve longstanding water scarcity, which is essential for maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards in local clinics and surrounding communities. In the Western Region, the newly commissioned Damang water supply system represents a model for sustainable community development. Funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and implemented by World Vision Ghana, the project features a sophisticated network of drilled boreholes, a central reservoir, and a solar-powered pumping mechanism. This system ensures that households, schools, and healthcare centers in Damang have a reliable, clean water source. By fostering local ownership and management, the initiative seeks to improve long-term health outcomes and provide a blueprint for public-private collaboration in rural infrastructure development. While some districts celebrate new infrastructure, others are calling for urgent support to address legacy deficits. The Ewim Polyclinic in Cape Coast, a facility with a 50-year history, has issued an appeal for the construction of a surgical theatre. Currently, patients requiring surgical procedures must be referred to other hospitals due to a lack of specialized space and equipment. Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Amos Kofi Pepprah highlighted the clinic's ongoing struggles despite recent support from Oxfam, which donated medical supplies and has invested nearly GH¢1.5 million in reproductive health services through the "Power to Choose" project. These combined efforts underscore the vital role of decentralized governance and NGO partnerships in strengthening Ghana's primary healthcare system. While the provision of modern beds and water systems marks a turning point for maternal care in districts like DBI, community leaders emphasize that infrastructure alone is not enough. Challenges such as poor road conditions and the need for dedicated emergency vehicles remain significant hurdles to effective healthcare delivery. Addressing these systemic issues will be the next critical step in ensuring that the newly commissioned facilities can provide timely, life-saving care to all citizens.

Tamale Cardiology Centre 85% complete – Ghana Medical Trust Fund targets August handover
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Health Minister Announces Scale-Back of Agenda 111 Projects and Addresses Delays at Weija Children's Hospital

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a significant shift in the government’s flagship healthcare infrastructure initiative, Agenda 111. In a move aimed at ensuring the prudent use of public resources, the Cabinet has decided to prioritize the completion of only 35 hospital projects out of the original scope. This phased approach follows a comprehensive review intended to avoid unproductive spending and ensure that state resources are directed toward financially viable projects within a realistic timeline. To support this streamlined strategy, the government plans to strengthen its collaboration with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to maintain and enhance healthcare access across the country. Simultaneously, the Minister addressed mounting public concern regarding the 120-bed Children’s Specialist Hospital at Weija, which remains unopened despite being fully staffed. Speaking to Parliament, Mr. Akandoh attributed the delay to the contractor’s failure to complete critical works and officially hand over the facility to the Ministry. While the hospital is largely ready, essential installations—including specialized medical equipment—are still outstanding. The project has also been hampered by procurement irregularities and misprocurement issues flagged by the World Bank, which required resolution before the facility could move toward operationalization. Despite these setbacks, the Ministry of Health maintains that it is prepared to begin operations at the Weija facility within 24 hours of a formal handover. A final meeting with the contractor was scheduled for July 10 to resolve the remaining bottlenecks. This development follows several demonstrations by local residents who have called for the immediate opening of the hospital to alleviate the pressure on existing pediatric services in the Greater Accra Region. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to making the facility operational as soon as the contractor fulfills their obligations. In contrast to the delays in Weija, progress is reportedly on track at the Tamale Teaching Hospital’s Modern Cardiology Centre. Project engineers and officials from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund have confirmed that the facility is 85% complete and slated for an August handover. Once operational, the Centre will serve as a vital referral hub for advanced cardiovascular care in Northern Ghana. This facility is expected to significantly reduce travel times for heart patients in northern regions and decrease cardiovascular-related mortality by providing specialized medical services closer to home. These combined updates reflect a broader government strategy to balance ambitious infrastructure goals with fiscal reality while addressing immediate healthcare gaps. While the scaling back of Agenda 111 marks a more conservative approach to national health projects, the focus on completing critical specialized centers in Weija and Tamale highlights an ongoing effort to improve equitable access to medical services. The Ministry's upcoming interactions with contractors and health partners like CHAG will be pivotal in determining the timeline for these essential health delivery improvements.

1,300 applicants tested HIV positive in security agency recruitment – Minister
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Security Recruitment Screenings Reveal 1,300 Reactive HIV Results as Ghana AIDS Commission Warns Against Discrimination

Ghana’s security agency recruitment process has sparked a national conversation on public health and employment ethics after Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, revealed that approximately 1,300 applicants tested positive for HIV during mandatory medical screenings. Announced during a session with Parliament’s Government Assurance Committee on July 7, 2026, the Minister noted that the screenings also identified other health issues, including Hepatitis B and various mental health conditions. While the figure of 1,300 is significant, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) clarified that it represents about 1.3 percent of the 100,000 total applicants, a percentage that is consistent with Ghana’s national HIV prevalence rate of 1.49 percent. The GAC has been quick to manage public perception, emphasizing that these 1,300 results are considered "reactive" and are not yet confirmed diagnoses. According to the Commission, a single reactive test is a preliminary finding that requires a thorough, multi-stage testing protocol to confirm an individual's status. To protect the privacy and dignity of the applicants, the Ministry of the Interior intentionally withheld individual medical results from public lists, instead providing contact information for voluntary follow-ups. This approach aligns with advice from Dominic Nitiwul, Chairperson of the Government Assurance Committee, who urged the Ministry to ensure all affected individuals receive proper counseling and are guided toward treatment to prevent further transmission. In tandem with these medical findings, the GAC has raised serious concerns regarding potential employment discrimination. John Eliasu Mahama, the GAC Director of Policy Planning, emphasized that disqualifying applicants solely based on their HIV status may violate the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938). He argued that advancements in medical science should be reflected in modern recruitment policies, asserting that HIV status should not be a reason for disqualification except in specific health-related cases. The Commission is currently initiating internal processes to review compliance with the law, advocating for the protection of individuals' rights and privacy throughout the recruitment cycle. Despite these efforts to manage the situation, a logistical crisis looms over Ghana’s HIV response. Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of the Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (Ghanet), has warned that the country faces a critical shortage of HIV testing kits. He cautioned that if the government does not replenish dwindling stocks at the Central Medical Stores immediately, health facilities could run out of kits by the end of July 2026. This potential supply gap threatens the very diagnostic and counseling services that officials are now urging citizens to utilize, highlighting a need for urgent government intervention in the health supply chain.

DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Scales to 1,500 Cases as Healthcare Workers Strike Over Unpaid Wages
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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Scales to 1,500 Cases as Healthcare Workers Strike Over Unpaid Wages

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently battling the most severe outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola on record, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that the virus remains in an expansion phase. As of October 2023, the outbreak has resulted in 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 fatalities. WHO representative Anne Ancia noted that the spread is being exacerbated by high levels of population movement and a lack of capacity at existing treatment centers. The situation is further complicated because the Bundibugyo strain historically lacks a proven cure, making the current surge particularly dangerous for the region. Adding to the health crisis, frontline healthcare workers in the hardest-hit province of Ituri have launched strikes in protest of months of delayed payments. Many of these professionals report they have not received wages or bonuses since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15. This labor dispute has severely jeopardized containment efforts, as responders face critical shortages of personal protective equipment and a rising number of infections within their own ranks. The WHO has highlighted that some infected health workers are not seeking local treatment, inadvertently spreading the virus to new regions as they travel to seek care elsewhere. In response to the clinical challenges of the Bundibugyo strain, the PARTNERS trial has commenced in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments. This collaborative research effort involves the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, with support from the WHO. The trial is testing the effectiveness of the antiviral remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134, both alone and in combination. Researchers emphasize that the success of these trials depends heavily on community engagement and building trust, which are essential for ensuring patient participation and acceptance of new medical interventions. As the outbreak continues to expand, health authorities are working to establish more checkpoints to monitor population movement and mitigate further transmission. However, the success of these measures depends on resolving the grievances of the medical workforce and ensuring that treatment facilities are properly equipped and staffed. The dual challenge of managing a labor strike while conducting urgent clinical research underscores the precarious nature of the current response. International health officials remain focused on balancing the immediate humanitarian need for containment with the long-term goal of identifying effective therapies to prevent future fatalities from this rare Ebola species.

Nungua: FDA shuts three facilities over illicit products
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FDA Shuts Down Three Nungua Facilities Over Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Illicit Regulated Products

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified its enforcement actions against the illegal sale of regulated substances, leading to the closure of three facilities in Nungua, Accra. In a joint operation conducted with the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the authority clamped down on establishments found to be distributing harmful and unregistered products. The items seized during the raid included nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas), codeine-mixed Benylin cough syrup, and various brands of unregistered shisha. This decisive action follows months of rigorous undercover investigations and intelligence gathering aimed at identifying hotspots for the distribution of illicit drugs. The FDA noted that the sale of these products in unauthorized retail spaces poses a grave risk to public health, particularly among the youth who are increasingly targeted for the recreational use of nitrous oxide and prescription-only medications. By collaborating with the CID, the authority ensured that the swoop was executed effectively, marking a significant blow to the local trade of unregulated pharmaceutical and tobacco products. The closure of these facilities underscores the FDA's broader commitment to upholding the Public Health Act and ensuring that all regulated products on the Ghanaian market meet strict safety and quality standards. The authority has expressed concern over the rising trend of mixing traditional medications with controlled substances like codeine, which can lead to severe addiction and other long-term health complications. This operation serves as a stern warning to vendors and facility owners that the FDA will not tolerate the sale of prohibited or unregistered items that compromise the well-being of citizens. Looking ahead, the FDA has pledged to maintain its surveillance and enforcement activities across the country to root out similar illegal operations. The authority is also calling on the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or the sale of prohibited substances to the relevant officials. Investigations into the owners of the shut-down facilities are currently ongoing, with the possibility of prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others who might attempt to bypass regulatory protocols for financial gain.

Prof. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, Director of STEM Studies, College of Distance Education, UCC, and Professor of Optometry, delivering scientific presentation, at the 2nd White Coat Ceremony and Refractive Error Day Symposium at UCC
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UCC School of Optometry Warns of Rising Myopia Among Children, Advocates for Early Vision Screening

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Optometry and Vision Science has issued a stark warning regarding the rapid increase of refractive errors, specifically myopia, among schoolchildren in Ghana. During a recent symposium, experts cautioned that the country is at risk of facing a vision crisis similar to the myopia epidemic observed in highly urbanized regions of East Asia. This trend, if left unaddressed, could lead to significant long-term visual impairments for the younger generation, necessitating immediate intervention from both parents and healthcare authorities to protect the nation's eye health. Prof. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, representing the School, highlighted that environmental shifts are primarily driving this surge. The modern lifestyle, characterized by prolonged periods of screen time on digital devices and a significant reduction in outdoor recreational activities, has been identified as a critical factor in the development of short-sightedness. Prof. Abu emphasized that the visual demands placed on children today are vastly different from previous generations, creating a physiological strain that manifests as myopia at increasingly younger ages, which requires a shift in how childhood vision is managed. To combat this growing health challenge, the UCC Optometry School is advocating for a multi-pronged approach centered on prevention and early detection. Key recommendations include the implementation of mandatory outdoor activities within the school curriculum, as exposure to natural light is proven to help regulate eye growth and prevent the onset of refractive errors. Furthermore, the experts called for a national education campaign to sensitize the public on eye health and the institutionalization of regular, comprehensive eye screenings for all students to ensure that conditions are caught before they become debilitating. The symposium also served as a professional milestone, marking the induction of a new cohort of optometry students into their clinical training. These future practitioners will enter a field that is increasingly focused on community-level intervention and public health advocacy. By strengthening the pipeline of eye care professionals and integrating vision health into the broader national health agenda, Ghana aims to mitigate the impact of this emerging epidemic and ensure that the eyesight of its youth is preserved for the future.

Dr Sebastian N. Sandaare (3rd from left), Vice-Chair of Parliament’s Health Committee; William Moore (5th from left), Chief Executive Officer, Eleanor Crook Foundation, with other stakeholders after the meeting
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Ghana and South Sudan Face Critical Health Challenges as NGOs and Governments Address Malnutrition and Conflict-Related Emergencies

Sub-Saharan Africa is currently grappling with a dual burden of health crises, ranging from chronic malnutrition in West Africa to acute, conflict-driven medical emergencies in the East. In Ghana, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are intensifying efforts to combat a malnutrition crisis that has left 10% of children severely stunted and nearly 10% suffering from wasting. Simultaneously, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported a staggering 50% increase in medical evacuations in South Sudan during the first half of 2026, as escalating violence pushes the nation’s fragile healthcare system to its breaking point. In Ghana, a high-level collaboration involving the Eleanor Crook Foundation, the WOMEC network, and Ghanaian parliamentarians aims to prioritize nutrition as a pillar of national development. Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare has emphasized that malnutrition is not merely a health issue but a significant barrier to education and economic growth. William Moore of the Eleanor Crook Foundation further highlighted that malnutrition remains a leading cause of child mortality, advocating for the wider use of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF). This coalition is working to strengthen policy frameworks and funding to ensure that women and children receive the essential nutrients required for healthy development. The situation in South Sudan presents a different but equally dire set of health challenges. According to the ICRC, the surge in violence since late 2025 has led to 266 wounded individuals being evacuated to Juba Military Hospital, where surgical procedures have increased by nearly 30%. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the closure of several foreign-aided hospitals following targeted attacks, leaving a massive gap in service delivery. The United Nations peacekeeping mission has also noted a significant rise in civilian casualties, underscoring the lethal intersection of conflict and limited medical access. These contrasting health emergencies highlight the urgent need for sustained international support and robust domestic health policies across the continent. While Ghana seeks to prevent long-term developmental damage through nutritional interventions, South Sudan is struggling to provide basic life-saving surgeries amidst ongoing instability. Both scenarios underscore a common theme: the necessity of resilient healthcare infrastructure and reliable funding to mitigate the devastating effects of malnutrition and violence on vulnerable populations.