Ghana cannot achieve Roll Back Malaria targets

Ghana would be unable to achieve the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) target of reducing the disease morbidity and mortality by 50 per cent in 2010. Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey, Country Director of the Voices for Malaria Free Future, Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) made this known at Apam, in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region on Thursday.He said although the country had made some progress to reach the target, malaria still accounted for 19 per cent of deaths of all ages with 22 per cent of the mortality rate among children under five. Ghana adopted the World Health Organisation's RBM strategy in 2000, and was expected to have reduced malaria deaths to at least 7.5 per cent in all ages and 11 per cent in children under five. Mr Fiagbey said this at a forum organised by the NGO for stakeholders in the fight against malaria.According to the RBM Country Needs Assessment report in 2008, Ghana's malaria morbidity ratio stood at 120 per 1,000 cases for all ages instead of meeting the target of 86 per 1,000. Malaria was also responsible for 35 per cent of morbidity in children under five, which fell short of the RBM target of 23 per cent. Mr Fiagbey noted that the country had however made some significant progress in the management of severe malaria, preventive treatment of expectant mothers and the use of insecticide treated nets by pregnant women and children under five.He therefore called for more government and public commitment for the adoption of interventions that would help to scale up the country's progress in meeting the RBM goals. He indicated that the heavy rains experienced in the Sub-Saharan Region this year, would likely increase malaria cases, adding that, this calls on all African government to commit more resources to fight the pandemic instead of solely relying on the Global Fund. Mr Fiagbey appealed to government to consider allocating a percentage of the country's oil revenue to interventions that would help reduce malaria cases.He also urged the district assemblies to ensure that they commit the mandatory 0.5 per cent of their share of the District Assemblies' Common Fund to fight the disease. Mr Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah, District Chief Executive, expressed worry about malaria deaths and its impact on the national economy and entreated all stakeholders to do more to eliminate the disease. He noted that malaria accounted for more than 40 per cent of all Out Patient Department cases in the district hospital and appealed to opinion leaders at Apam to facilitate the fight against the pandemic.
Source:GNA

Ghana recorded 22,541 HIV/AIDS cases last year

Mr Kwame Brefo-Boateng, Tema Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Focal Person, on Tuesday said that 22,541 new HIV/AIDS infections, comprising 9,996 males and 12,545 females were recorded nationwide last year.He said that 18,082 AIDS related deaths made up of 8,080 males and 10,001 females also occurred in the country during the same period. Mr Brefo-Boateng announced this at a day's dialogue on HIV/AIDS organized by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) and WOMANKIND-UK, a British non-governmental organisation (NGO), in collaboration with the Tema Metropolitan AIDS Committee, in Tema on Wednesday.The programme was on the theme: "Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Women Affected and Infected by HIV and AIDS". Mr Brefo-Boateng said negative socio-cultural practices such as inheriting of widows, popularly called "bye elections" in the Upper West Region made women vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.He also mentioned rape, defilement, prostitution, Female Genital Mutilation and the biological make up of the female reproductive organ as other vulnerability factors.Mr Brefo-Boateng said the Metropolis recorded 177 HIV/AIDS cases last year, bringing the prevalent rate to 2 per cent, which according to him was an improvement on the 370 cases recorded in 2007, with a prevalent rate of 2.2 per cent.He said that 612 people took Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) last year and 741 people went through the same exercise in 2007 in the Metropolis.He said that out of 310 tuberculosis patients who were counselled on HIV/AIDS, 291 of them underwent VCT for the disease last year and 102 of them tested positive, in the area. Mr Faisal Bawa, Programmes Co-ordinator of FIDA-Ghana, said that women were mostly affected by HIV/AIDS partly due to violation of human rights perpetrated against them.He said that "the HIV virus thrives where there are human rights violation. Many cultures engage in traditional practices that violate the rights of women and expose them to the disease." Mr Bawa said that stigmatization and discrimination against People Living with HIV/AIDS was violation of their rights which prevented others from going for VCT for the disease, leading to its spread.
Source:GNA

Ghanaian Women rejects Female Condom?

Women are limited in their ability to negotiate the use of the male condom, even in the face of all the forms that HIV/AIDS epidemic has moved into, a form in which married women and women in stable relationships are at the most risk.However, with the rising numbers of infections among women, there is a desperate need for female initiated barrier or method to place a check on the spread of the disease.Relatively few women world wide have adopted the female condom, the only female initiated contraceptive method currently available that can prevent pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).Research confirms female condom’s effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and some STIs. However, data on the long term impact of female condom promotion and use in the HIV/AIDS and other STIs in the context of larger scale programmes are limited.There are many people who can assess the female condom but the concern however is that rural folks, if they are given something they can not use or store, what then is the point.The female condom is the only female controlled barrier against HIV and is half way accepted by some men who refuse to use the male condom.To satisfy my curiosity on the use of the female condom, I hit the streets of Accra to interview and gather information on how knowledgeable and aware people are on the existent and use of the female condom.Surprisingly, a handful of people are aware and have used it before, with reasons that the female condom can be put into place hours before any "action" occurs thus removing the “kill the passion” moment when a male condom is brought into play.An interview with some men indicated that they were excited upon the introduction of the female condom and relieved that they would not be the ones disrupting moments of passion to put on the male condom.This excitement was short lived as the "protection gear", in my rounds revealed that is missing from pharmacy shops and where it exist, is expired.Yaw, a phone repairer told said he has used the female condom with a partner once and came to the conclusion that the inside ring rubs against the tip of the penis during intercourse, intensifying his orgasm. For him, it was the best sexual experience.The same, however, can not be said about Isaac a mechanic, who has also gone through the similar experience. He said the use of the female condom with his partner has never aroused his orgasm, “it only brought discomfort.”As for Kofi, a driver's "mate" or bus conductor was of the view that the female condom has not been made popular. He said “I have not had any encounter with any woman with the use of the female condom, i dont even think about it when making love”.Most women I spoke to say the method of inserting the female condom is very embarrassing, making them feel bad when they talk about it much more using it.When asked whether they are aware that the female condom is the only controlled barrier against HIV, some said they are aware but would prefer the men use the male condom, forgetting that they are at risk if the man refuses to use the male condom.An interview with Lamisi, an educated secretary with a reputable firm in Accra, suggested that she has tried a couple of times to use the female condoms but told me her partner complained of the noise it makes, and thus during sex they had to remove it to make the man feel comfortable.A clear indication that women are weak in matters of the heart and in their sex life, To satisfy the man, she throws caution to the wind and risk contracting the dreadful disease.This indicates that the introduction of the female condom has not received much attention in the country by a lot of men and women who through an interview told me the female condom makes a lot of funny noise during intercourse, is uncomfortable, fulfillment was low and cost is also high (cost 20p when they were available).These and other factors they complained about make the use of the female condom not very attractive to them.I realised from my interview with the people that a lot of women, for whom the female condom was introduced tend to forget that it is for protective and preventive measures that the female condom came into being.Health officials have advised women to use the female condom when their male partners refuse to use the male condom but most women will out of their so-called love for their partners forgo the use of the condom despite the fact that they stand a greater chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.May be it is time for the Ministry of Health and all stakeholders to do a comprehensive educational campaign and reverse the negative preconceptions about the female condom and re-launch it since its awareness and use is dying gradually if not died out completely.Authorities should revamp the popularity of the female condom also known as the femidom the same way male condom has gained grounds. Authorities should sit up and do something about it.
Source:Felicity Boachie-Danquah

World Mosquito Day celebrated today

"Raising Global Awareness of the Importance of Mosquito Elimination Program"

In honor of World Mosquito Day, observed annually on August 20, but ignored in most African countries including Ghana, Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa (VPWA) and its partners in Sub Saharan Africa are working to increase awareness of the importance of efficient technology to kill mosquitoes and therefore eliminate mosquito borne diseases including Malaria.World Mosquito Day originated in 1897 by Dr. Ronald Ross of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. After dissecting mosquitoes known to have fed on a patient with malaria, Ross discovered the malaria parasite in the stomach wall of the mosquito. Through further research using malarious birds, Ross was able to ascertain the entire life cycle of the malarial parasite, including its presence in the mosquito's salivary glands. Ross confirmed that malaria is transmitted from infected birds to healthy ones by the bite of a mosquito, a finding that suggested the disease's mode of transmission to humans. For his findings, Ross is credited with the discovery of the transmission of malaria by the mosquito, and was honored with a Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1902.Presently, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 350-500 million cases of malaria occur worldwide each year, and more than one million people die, most of them young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism, and afflict not only humans, but animals as well.VPWA is using this year’s Mosquito Day to point out the flaws in current African policies and recommending to committed leaders on the continent to rethink Malaria strategies. Leaders should take the bold initiative of implementing a result oriented initiative that could eradicate Malaria in 3 years, probably within first term of some African leaders.First, the bed net: Research finds that bed nets are only 25% effective in preventing Malaria. This means that, in the unlikely event of every person within a given geographical area (for example: Ghana) sleeping under bed nets from 5pm-7am, Malaria cases are likely to be drop by 25%. Despite these research findings, we still we have NGOs raising money all around the globe in pursuit of ‘blanketing’ Africa with nets. It should be noted that, mosquitoes do not bite only when you are in bed.Second, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): Indoor Residual Spraying is the dispensing of insecticides on walls made from porous materials such as mud or wood. The idea is that, after the mosquito has taken the blood meal, it will land on the wall and die. In some African countries where DDT is used, this repels the mosquito from even entering the house. Less effective insecticides like permethrin are also used for this purpose. This method has proven to be about as effective as bed nets achieving only around a 25% reduction in transmission rates and is not designed for plaster city dwellings. Studies on biting rates done in Mali, indicate that about 38% of all biting occurs outdoors. As a consequence this is why bed nets, and Indoor Residual Spraying, will never break the malaria transmission cycle.Third, truck mounted "fogger" units: These units are only capable of reducing mosquito populations by about 30% in the US, where they are in common use. However this is under better circumstances than are available in Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a general lack of a good road grid pattern, typical of American Suburbs.It must be understood that a 30% reduction in mosquito population does not translate into a 30% reduction in malaria transmission. The Centre for Disease Control did a study some time ago in Sub-Saharan Africa and managed to get a 90% reduction in mosquito populations, however only a 25% decrease in transmission rates was achieved.This having been said, one must realize the reduction levels achieved with these experiments were given on the basis of a controlled research protocol. A real world situation would not be controlled. Not everyone would sleep under a bed net, not every house would be treated with Indoor Residual Spraying, and the truck mounted fogger units are a bigger joke than either bed nets or IRS treatment, when it comes to reducing the transmission of the malaria parasite. These considerations are however not applicable in a program involving the treatment of an entire region with an aircraft equipped with insecticide aerosol generators.In the unlikely circumstance the whole of Ghana is blanketed with nets, meaning, all inhabitants of homes, hotels etc. sleeps under nets, and IRS enabled in every home, and truck mounted fogger units dispensing insecticides in our neighborhoods, Ghana will see a reduction of only 50% in Malaria transmission. However for Ghana to even implement this multi faceted approach and be successful, the nation will spend a huge chunk of its GDP annually to maintain it. Failure to maintain the exercise will also lead to a catastrophic rise in human death due to Malaria.

What are we proposing?

VPWA is proposing Aerial Spraying or what the Americans call “space spraying.” This technology consists of an aircraft equipped with a high pressure aerosol generator, treating the entire environment the mosquito lives in, effectively eliminating the mosquito.We are proposing this project be funded by the grant money currently being wasted on marginally effective interventions and wish to introduce this method to Ghana as a model for the elimination of malaria in Africa. We estimate that for only about 2% of the total direct and indirect costs presently associated with Malaria in Ghana, the disease could be eradicated within 3 years. Within 30 days the transmission cycle could be broken within a given treatment area.That having been said, defeating malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa is the challenge of all challenges, and certainly not a task for amateurs. Sadly however in this case, amateurs are in charge of this effort. The irony is it would cost much less to succeed, in this endeavor, than pursue the present failed strategy.

Hayford Siaw-Executive DirectorVolunteer Partnerships for West Africa

info@vpwa.org

233 21 928245

+233 24 3340112
Source:Hayford Siaw

Two NHIS providers suspended for malfeasance

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS) on Tuesday suspended the County Hospital and Atasomanso Hospital, both heath facilities in Kumasi, from providing services to NHIS subscribers for three months, for discrepancies.Their certification as NHIS providers had also been redrawn after a clinical audit cited them for double billing, over billing, irrational prescribing and no adherence to tariffs.At a press conference in Accra to brief the media on developments regarding the implementation of the NHIS at the provider and scheme level, the Chief Executive of the NHIS, Sylvester Mensah said steps had been taken to ensure that providers were reimbursed for only what was genuinely due them and that the schemes prudently managed resources under their control.The Authority therefore asked the public not to access health care from the two hospitals, saying, those who did would have to pay for the services rendered to them.The Hospital Manager and the accountant at the Amasaman Hospital in the Ga District has also been asked to step aside whilst investigations goes on for anomalies ranging from misapplication of funds, inability to account for monies, poor controls/conflict of interest and weakness in organisational process as well as outright incompetence on the part of management of the scheme.Mr Mensah said the audit being conducted was an effort to ensure that the resources and safety of the public was protected and urged the media to support the effort, adding that, the NHIS would deploy all means at its disposal to ensure that perpetrators of those acts were brought to book.Mr Mensah explained that the County Hospital for example billed a patient for 37 bags of intravenous infusion fluids while it actually used 16 bags and also gave medicines outside the NHIS list for which the schemes paid. Where prices were higher than their substitutes on NHIS lists members were made to pay top-ups contrary to NHIS policy and guidelines.The Atasomanso hospital on the other hand diagnosed "psychosomatic" disorder for about 60 percent of patients, more than malaria, which was the most common condition. It also treated patients with the most expensive anti stomach ulcer medicines on the medicines list without allowing patients to undergo endoscopy to show that the ulcers were present.Many claims showed double billing and overcharging, while in some instances the hospital claimed wrong and higher tariffs for diagnosis, which did not match the clinical notes, he said, and gave an example of a patient who was admitted for abdominal pains and billed the scheme for severe infection at the cost GHC158.90 instead of GHC43.70, he said. The NHIS boss noted that the activities of the two hospitals constituted serious financial leakages on the scheme that should be stopped and noted that though the hospitals appealed against the decisions, a review upheld the NHIS findings.The Amasaman District hospital also paid GH¢14,260 from petty cash in many instances as two months allowances for 23 national service persons representing GH¢ 620.00 per head but audit revealed the personnel were paid GH¢62.00.The report said the present tariff structure allowed three visits within two weeks but some providers were billing the NHIS three times more though patients did not visit the facility three times in the week.He condemned the recent actions by some NDC supporters, who were alleged to have besieged some Scheme Offices at Asougyaman, to take over the offices and described the action as "unfortunate and against the law". He urged the security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the laws of the country.
Source:GNA

Rawlings commends national Cardio Centre

Former President Jerry John Rawlings yesterday commended the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) for the excellent way it has been treating cardiovascular diseases. He said but for the patriotic and visionary leadership, which blazed the odds to setup the Centre the nation would have had to spend her scarce foreign exchange to fly people with heart diseases outside the country for treatment.Former President Rawlings was speaking at a public lecture organized by the Centre as part of activities to mark its 20th anniversary celebrations.The lecture, which was on the theme: "20 years of the NCTC- 20 Years of Medical Excellence" attracted renowned medical practitioners from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.Former President Rawlings said Africans and for that matter Ghanaians could do some of the sophisticated things anybody else could do if they stopped looking down on themselves adding that the best could come out of the country's professionals in State institutions if they were given the necessary support and the right conditions. He promised to join the campaign launched by the Centre to raise funds towards the building of a cardiothoracic hospital to deal with the increasing number of patients with heart diseases.Former President Rawlings took keen interest in the establishment of the Centre, when Dr Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the First Chief Executive Officer, arrived in the country to establish the Centre. Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, Minister of Health (MOH), pledged to work together with the Ghana Health Service to make the Centre the envy of Africa.He said that was why as a Government they have decided to eradicate malaria and that Ghana would be the first country in Africa to eliminate malaria.Dr Sipa-Adjah Yankey urged Ghanaians to cultivate healthy eating habits by eating local vegetables and fruits and to avoid junk foods. He said improving the Centre fell within his larger vision and that of the Health Ministry to make Ghana a health tourist centre. The Health Minister pledged to make a personal contribution of 30 Ghana Cedis a month towards the building the new cardiothoracic hospital.
Source:GNA

Vice President decries lack of equity in healthcare

Vice President John Mahama on Wednesday decried the lack of social justice and equity in Ghana's healthcare system, describing the situation as unacceptable. He said lack of social justice and equity in the health sector remained a major development drawback, pointing to the concentration of health professionals in few urban centres to the neglect of a number of communities."This situation lacks equity and is unacceptable. Depending on what geographical part of the country you are, access and quality can vary dramatically".The Vice President was addressing a joint meeting of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) in Accra on Wednesday. It was on the theme: "Managing Threats and Crises: The Vital Role of Pharmacy in An Unstable World." Vice President Mahama said there was huge disparity in the distribution of health professionals explaining that 80 per cent of 1, 400 pharmacists in the country were located in Accra or Kumasi, while the three northern regions have less than five per cent of pharmacists and pharmacies.He said while in the Greater Accra Region, an estimated health professional ratio was one to 8,000 patients; the figure was dramatic in the North where one health professional accounted for 96,000 patients. "This is woefully inadequate and renders the population vulnerable. to the activities and schemes of untrained health professionals, thereby denying them of the excellent services that the pharmaceutical profession provides."He said the absence of pharmacists in these communities raised a number of concerns including the sustainability of the health insurance scheme and the provision of cost effective medications for various therapeutic reasons.Vice President Mahama appealed to the two pharmaceutical bodies to be alarmed about the influx of fake or counterfeit drugs to the developing world and team up with the government to solve the menace. He said while the problem was still within a manageable proportion in Ghana, government was concerned about the phenomenon and was willing to partner progressive institutions to eradicate the criminal activity. The Vice President assured pharmacists, especially those involved in the manufacturing of drugs, of the continued protection of their investments to "ensure that Ghana becomes a centre of excellence in drug discovery, research and an active hub of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa".The Deputy Director General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Anarfi Asamoah Baah, corroborated the Vice President's observation about the concentration of pharmacists in a few city centres and advocated a paradigm shift.He noted that the greatest health challenge facing the world is the scourge of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and cancers. Both Dr Alex Dodoo, President of the PSGH and Mr Ivan Kotze, President of the CPA, promised to bring their expertise to bear on the healthcare sector.
Source:GNA

Nurses urged to revisit core values of profession- Deputy Minister

Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, Deputy Minister of Health, on Tuesday called on nurses to revisit the core values of their profession and design new approaches for improved and effective results in the nation's health delivery. "Our nurses must realize that they are one of the key pivots around which the health sector revolves and as well understand that they have an image to protect,""With the patient charter for health in operation, coupled with the increased knowledge in Information Communication Technology, medico-legal issues, patient safety and human right issues, nurses must devise ways of not only maintaining the ethics of the profession but also standards that meet internationally accepted criteria so as to remain marketable", he said The minister gave the advice at the opening of a three-day international nursing conference, jointly organised by a team of health educators from the United State of America and the Valley View University in Accra.The conference dubbed "Nursing in the 21st Century: New Approaches for improved Outcomes" would serve as an educational platform for health workers and also expose them to major issues that confront the nursing profession.It also seeks to promote creative and critical thinking as well as strategically putting in place, effective plans to enhance clinical practice and improve patient care in the country. Participants were drawn from health care institutions nationwide as well as health workers from the US and Canada. Dr. Kumbour said excellence in nursing practice could only be achieved through a shared governance approach that promotes the involvement of nurse in interdisciplinary collaboration and provides avenues for the nurse to advocate for the patient in clinical and organizational decision-making.He said nurses need to collaborate with patients, families, and other health team members to plan and provide nursing care that would help achieve an optimal level of health and wellness. Pastor K. Annoah Boafo, Director of Seventh Day Adventist Health Service Ghana, said in the mist of emerging new challenges, the ability of nurses to deliver quality care in the 21st Century depended on good training, understanding, motivation, commitment and dedication to work. He called on the nurses to work hard and help reduce preventable disease such as malaria, diabetes and high maternal mortality in the various communities."I trust that knowledge gained during this conference will be put into practice to help reduce preventable disease in the country", he said.
Source:GNA

Public Health System is Collapsing-Frimpong Boateng

Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, the Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC), on Monday expressed concern about the collapsing public health delivery system in Ghana and called for measures to arrest the factors contributing to the decay."There will be nothing to write home about 10 years to come if the problems were not corrected", he said.Prof. Frimpong Boateng said the major contributing factor out of the several others that fed into the malaise was the attitude of health workers majority of whom showed little commitment to the growth and development of public institutions."If we should see public properties as our own and handle them they way we deem fit, then Ghana would be making headway". Speaking at the launch of the Centre's 20th anniversary in Accra Prof Frimpong Boateng said health workers did not see the public property in which they worked as theirs and therefore did not handle them with care.The Heart Surgeon said the NCTC had set a high standard in health institution construction and maintenance, departmental organisation as well as training and management of hospital personnel, which needed to be investigated by the Ministry of Health for emulation. He explained that the Centre had been conceptualized in such a way that it had the capacity to function independent of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital."It is for this reason that the Centre has never been affected by a strike action before and it has also not been involved in any strike action".The Centre, established in 1989 with the mandate of treating cardiothoracic diseases in the sub-region, had become an effective team player in the hospital by providing quality patient care, teaching and conducting research.The Centre, which Prof. Frimpong Boateng described as a model, was a small fraction of the health delivery system which could not provide all the answers to the many diseases plaguing the health system. "As a model, a close study about the reasons for its success will at least give clues as to what must be inputted to crank up the health system", he added.Twenty years down the lane, the Centre which began with a single crusader and a few supporting staff, now has the staff strength of over 130 with each person assigned a responsibility and giving the Centre a strong sense of ownership with facilities not being allowed to fall into disrepair.The Centre described as the Centre of Excellence, has grown into a mini-hospital complex, complete and serves the West African sub-region. Prof. Frimpong Boateng said Ghanaian medical personnel needed to realize that they had the capacity to establish symbols of medical excellence without depending on others and not associating themselves with programmes where foreign teams would come for brief periods, perform surgeries with a lot of fanfare and leave the country for local personnel to handle possible complications.He advised that in Africa where generally technology was not advanced, one should not compromise with standards but establish confidence in the Ghanaian population.Activities for the anniversary include public lectures, medical screening outreach programmes and a Thanksgiving service.
Source:GNA

Veep asks WHO to issue licence to local drug manufacturers

Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Monday asked the World Health Organisation (WHO) to overcome setbacks that cause delays in granting of license to local drug manufacturing companies. He noted that there are efficacious drugs for certain types of diseases which are produced by local industries but the line of production are being hampered by WHO's delay in granting license to them.Mr. Mahama made this known when he met a joint delegation of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) who called on him at the Osu Castle on Monday.The delegation invited the Vice President to give the keynote address on Wednesday at a three-day day conference of the CPA. Mr. Mahama said the CPA could impress upon the WHO to streamline its rules on certification, manufacturing and research since there was a regime of standardization in Ghana.He said it was unfortunate that criminal organisations smuggled expired and dangerous drugs into the country. Mr. Mahama expressed regret about the shortage of qualified pharmacists in the country, which he said had hampered the dispensing of drugs. Professor Kamal Midha, President of the FIP said the duty of a pharmacist found expression in the fact that "a drug does not become a medicine until it becomes useful to the patient." He said it was important for the pharmacists to be assisted to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Source:GNA

GMA rejects pay Increment

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has rejected the proposed seven per cent increment by government for the health sector, and described it as an "insignificant increment". It said the proposal did not factor in the economic realities of the day which must have informed the recent 17 per cent increments for other public sector workers.A statement jointly signed by the President of the Association, Dr Emmanuel Adom Winful, and the General Secretary, Dr Sodzi Sodzi Tettey, and copied to the GNA on Monday, called on labour unions in the health sector to close ranks and adopt common strategies to address common challenges for their mutual interest.The Association at the end of its fourth National Executive Council meeting in Bolgatanga, protested against the unilateral variation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Association and the Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa Yankey, on the part of government. The statement said the Association had necessitated the action because of the silence of the Ministry of Finance on the issue of on-call duty facilitation allowance and other pertinent issues. For example, it said a letter signed by the Minister of Finance postponed the payment of arrears due members from July to August 2009, and scheduled to be paid in four tranches instead of the two agreed upon.The statement said after deliberating on all the concerns, the Association called on the National Labour Commission to urgently address the issues before any crises arose. The GMA signed a MoU with Dr Sipa Yankey on May 26, 2009, to address the concerns of the Association, following the work-to-rule schedule embarked upon by members.

Source:GNA

Ghana close to eliminating blinding trachoma

Ghana, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia say they have reached the goal for eliminating blinding trachoma, the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma by the Year 2020 (GET 2020), announced on Wednesday.A statement received in Accra said each country had also strengthened its health care system so it can deliver eye surgery for those in need. The statement said the announcements were made at a meeting of the World Health Organization's (WHO) global partnership on eye disease in Geneva, Switzerland.It said the three countries used the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy in achieving this result, joining the Islamic Republic of Iran, Morocco, and Oman, who announced similar progress three years ago. The SAFE strategy is a comprehensive public health action that includes four actions: Surgery for the affected eyelid, Antibiotics to treat the infection, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvements.It said implemented comprehensively, the SAFE strategy can prevent all cases of blindness from trachoma.The statement said in partnership with national programmes and paired with health education, a historic re-commitment was also made by global pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc."Pfizer is a committed partner in the international effort to eliminate blinding trachoma and we will continue to work through the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) at the Task Force for Global Health to provide the Zithromax necessary to meet the 2020 goal," said Jeffrey B. Kindler, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer. "By working together we can rid the world of this disease and help restore the health and livelihood of families and communities." He congratulated the GET 2020 initiative on its progress to date and said: "To all of our partners, thank you. Hundreds of thousands of people owe their sight to your foresight and commitment, and I know none of us will rest until the job is done."The statement said Pfizer had been a key partner in the fight against trachoma by helping found ITI and donating the antibiotic Zithromax=AE, a long-acting antibiotic used to control the infection-the "A" component of the SAFE strategy. Over the last 10 years, Pfizer has provided over a billion dollars of pharmaceutical and financial donations."Rosalynn (Carter) and I have seen the devastating effects of trachoma on people and their families, yet what is even more powerful is the amazing spirit and dedication of the world's poorest people fighting to rid themselves of a completely preventable disease. I applaud their strength and am proud The Carter Center is part of an extraordinary partnership working to ensure these neglected communities have the opportunity to reach their full potential," said former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, whose not-for-profit organization, The Carter Centre, supports the distribution of more than one-third of the word's distribution of Zithromax.Since 1998, The Carter Centre has been a leading partner in the implementation, refinement and delivery of the SAFE strategy assisting six African countries. Most recently the Centre is collaborating with ITI and the Lions Clubs of Ethiopia to support the Amhara National Regional State in the distribution of almost 10 million doses of Zithromax as part of two integrated weeks focusing on malaria and trachoma.Trachoma affects the poorest and most remote rural communities of 56 countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Australia, and the Middle East. The estimated number of people affected by trachoma has fallen over the past decade, standing at approximately 40 million people today. Still there are an estimated 8.2 million people with the late, blinding stage of the disease, who need eyelid surgery to avoid irreversible blindness. 22 July 09
Source:GNA

Regulation of Pharmaceutical Industry in Ghana: The Way Forward-FDB

Round table discussion :Improving access to medicines through development of pharmaceutical industry in Ghana:- Presentation by Food & Drugs Board at Holiday Inn 14th July 2009.

Introduction:

}Expenditure on drugs as a proportion of total health expenditure ranges from between 7% to 66% worldwide. The proportion is higher in the developing countries where it ranges from 24% to 66%.
}This huge expenditure on medicines is driven by the roles medicines can play in saving lives, restoring health, preventing diseases and stopping epidemics.
}In order to do so, medicines must be safe, efficacious and of the quality prescribed by the relevant standards.

}Consequently, medicines development including clinical trials, production, importation, exportation, distribution, storage and ultimate use are subject to regulation to ensure that the standards of safety, efficacy and quality are met and maintained throughout the period of use of the product.
}To ensure access to essential medicines at all times and at affordable prices, governments (in developed countries in particular) have formulated and implemented industrial policies that include development and promotion of a vibrant pharmaceutical industry.
}These policies are reviewed to accommodate advancement in science & technology.

.The principles of effective medicine regulation demands that the MRAs develop science-based guidance and standards that help industry to efficiently comply with regulations, as well as guide them toward best practices.

}In today’s global village, harmonization of regulatory requirement and standards is the game.
}As science and technology advances, and as economic and social trends evolve, MRAs are obliged to continually evaluate the standards and guidance to ensure that they are promoting the best and most current recommendations.

Pharmaceutical Scene in ECOWAS
}In today’s global village, harmonization of regulatory requirement and standards is the game.
}As science and technology advances, and as economic and social trends evolve, MRAs are obliged to continually evaluate the standards and guidance to ensure that they are promoting the best and most current recommendations.

•Distribution of pharmaceutical services is skewed towards the urban centres where less than 20% of the citizens live; the rural majority have limited access to pharmaceutical care relying on medicine peddlers who constitute a major conduit line for sale of fake medicines.
• Sale of medicines appear to be one of the easiest means to make a living in West Africa; thus over 80% of people involved in pharmaceutical trade are not qualified, daft illiterates to say the least. Illicit trade in pharmaceuticals is estimated to be over US$ 50 million per year.
• Public procurement of medicines in some countries are executed without adequate reference to quality standards; the lowest bidder wins the day and among the general public, affordability and not quality is the priority.

Medicines Regulation in ECOWAS
•Distribution of pharmaceutical services is skewed towards the urban centres where less than 20% of the citizens live; the rural majority have limited access to pharmaceutical care relying on medicine peddlers who constitute a major conduit line for sale of fake medicines.
• Sale of medicines appear to be one of the easiest means to make a living in West Africa; thus over 80% of people involved in pharmaceutical trade are not qualified, daft illiterates to say the least. Illicit trade in pharmaceuticals is estimated to be over US$ 50 million per year.
• Public procurement of medicines in some countries are executed without adequate reference to quality standards; the lowest bidder wins the day and among the general public, affordability and not quality is the priority.

Pharmaceutical Industry Today

}There are 28 pharmaceutical manufacturing firms licensed, producing various forms of pharmaceutical products in Ghana.
}The products are mainly essential generic medicines and specialty Over-The-Counter (OTCs) drugs.
}Only two firms produce IV fluids; none produce sterile preparations for the eye/ear.
}There is only one ARV manufacturer; only one manufacturer has the facility to produce API.
}None of the manufacturers nor any of their products is WHO Pre-qualified.

}Compliance to cGMP requirements is the basis for qualification of any pharmaceutical manufacturer to produce & supply medicines.
}GMP-compliance rating of the 28 companies based on a survey undertaken by FDB 3 years ago with focus on:
Documentation, GWP, Water treatment system, personnel, plant design, raw materials, QC & QA systems, effluent management, self-audits, training, sanitation & hygiene, pest control, validation of processes, calibration & qualification of equipment, planned preventive maintenance, complaints & recalls, HVAC systems, suitability of premises;
Major findings:
}Inadequate documentation
}Lack of key personnel
}Inadequate training of staff
}Outdated equipment
}Non –validated systems
}Inadequate QC infrastructure
}Poor building design
}Insecure raw material sourcing
}Poor maintenance culture
}Inadequate sanitation & hygiene

The Needed Regulatory Intervention

}Effective regulation and enforcement of standards serve as potent tools for promotion industrial growth and development.
}Passage of the new F&D Bill into Law would provide FDB a more comprehensive authority and resources to partner industry to develop the required quality management systems.
}Having established the GMP rating for the local pharmaceutical industry, the FDB would set deadlines for each cluster group to move up the scale
}FDB, would design custom-made GMP- improvement workshops for cluster groups.
}Licensing of facilities including renewals and registration of products would be linked with industry’s willingness to meet deadlines set for quality infrastructure improvement programmes.
}By 2012, only companies with dedicated facilities for production of beta-lactam antibiotics would be granted license to produce penicillins and allied products.
}To reward commitment to improving upon quality infrastructure, FDB would qualify only quality-oriented companies to participate in MOH National Competitive Bidding to supply medicines.

}FDB would publish regularly PMS outcomes and institute immediate recalls of products that fail quality requirements.
}The issue of qualified key or authorized persons in industry is being taken by FDB to a higher level; the competence of such persons would be assessed by the FDB annually based on criteria to be discussed with industry.
}Bioequivalence studies: comparative dissolution studies involving the originator product
}Stability testing: FDB to collaborate with WHO to organize training workshops for industry
Malaysian strategy: improving GMP compliance
}One-stop information centre for customer friendly services
}Technical guidance
}Dialogue sessions and regular training for industry personnel
}Technical Working Group on GMP, including NPCB and industry representatives
}Recommendation of sources of financial support for manufacturers seeking to improve their GMP status
}Encouragement of foreign partnerships for transfer of technology and “smart alliance” .

.When a dynamic drug regulatory infrastructure including a well resourced Regulatory Authority is in place, an enabling environment is the created for effective enforcement of appropriate manufacturing standards which leads to quality drugs; and builds up the image of the local pharmaceutical industry in the international domain. Sooner than later, products from the country attracts the international markets leading to growth in the sector with the attendant creation of more jobs and growth in the economy. Such is the role that the US FDA and the MHRA, the respective American and the British drug regulators have been funded to do in support of their pharmaceutical industry. The FDB of Ghana has the potential lift the image of the Ghanaian pharmaceutical industry if the Board id adequately funded by government
Industry/Government Response

}Industry’s commitment to comply with regulatory notices and directives
}Investment into GMP-designed facilities in earmarked “pharmaceutical industrial zones created by government”.
}Pooled procurement of essential raw materials from accredited sources
}Out-sourcing of selected QC testing to accredited laboratories.
}Resourcing of Universities to institute courses in pharmaceutical technology and engineering to supply knowledgeable and skilled labour .
}Development of local raw material base.
}Enhanced access to calibration services, pharmaceutical consultancy services.
}Partnerships/joint ventures.
}A National Pharmaceutical Quality Award Scheme:
The drive to excel can be triggered off by many factors. In many developed countries and the Newly Industrialized Countries like Singapore and Malaysia, industry-specific quality award schemes have been used to reward deserving industries and to promote healthy competition among industry players. A National Pharmaceutical Quality Award Scheme should be considered by government-led public-private partnership incentive programme.

Conclusion

}Not only is Ghana on the verge of drilling oil in commercial quantities, the country is also on the verge of emerging as the pharmaceutical industrial hub of ECOWAS. What is needed is an appropriate incentive package to revive existing infrastructure for pharmaceutical production, invest into new production facilities and to regulate more effectively the manufacturing processes to ensure the supply of products of the right quality and safety, both for local consumption and for export. Government initiative is required; private sector enthusiasm is needed; the will to do is demanded from both.
Presentation by :jmartey@fdbghana.pharm/0709

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama visit the La General Hospital in Accra

The us President Barrack Obama and wife Michelle interacting with a lady at the hospital and US leader holds a baby at a hospital in Accra

Medicines consume 60 To 80 per cent of cost Of health care

About 60 to 80 per cent of the cost of health care in the country goes into drugs and this is expected to increase with new and more potent drugs being imported for treatment of malaria and other diseases.However, these diseases could be prevented at a less cost and rational use of drugs in managing other diseases help reduce pressure on health resources, Dr. James Akpablie, Upper East Deputy Regional Health Director, has said.Dr. Akpablie was speaking at the launch of Drug Safety Campaign in Bolgatanga on the theme "Irrational Drug Use and Poor Lifestyle, a Barrier to National Development" organized by the Ghana Pharmaceutical Students Association (GPSA) and the Ghana Herbal Medical Students Association (GHEMSA).Its purpose is to promote good health and rational use of drugs by way of educating and sensitizing people.He suggested that in promoting rational drug use, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) should include the promotion of scientifically proven and effective traditional and herbal medicines, review patients reporting with chronic conditions and implement policies to control the use of alcohol, and support the fight against substandard and fake medicines.Dr. Akpablie said changes in patterns of diseases had made it necessary to monitor medicines used in treating chronic conditions like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes Mellitus and others."It also calls for increased education of the public on disease prevention, health promotion and the issue of self diagnosis and medication, first aid and the need to look at the use of alternative Non-Drug Treatment", he said.Dr. Akpablie said MOH and GHS had put in place structures to ensure safe, efficacious and cost effective use of medicines and recommended that rational use of drugs be incorporated in the curricula of all institutions involved in the training of health workers. He said National Centre for Pharmacovigilance, responsible for the regular collection of reports from health care providers and the general public on Adverse Drug Reactions, had been established and appealed to people to report all adverse reaction to any drug to health authorities.He said drug and therapeutic committees had been set up in all major health facilities to ensure correct, efficient and cost effective management of drugs, while personnel conduct and disseminate quarterly findings of surveys on Rational Drug Use in some health facilities. He called on all health workers to seriously ensure that they took adequate history on drugs usage by patients and spend more time to counsel patients on the medicines they dispense to them. The students would be in the region for one week and visit communities, schools, churches, mosques, organized groups and market places to educate the people.
Source:GNA

Tobacco bill to go before cabinet soon

The Ministry of Health has finished reviewing the Tobacco Control Bill and is in the process of submitting the bill and the accompanying memorandum to cabinet.Dr George Sipa Yankey, Health Minister, said it was possible that some time this July, the bill would be sent to cabinet for consideration after which it would be forwarded to Parliament for further action. The Minister was responding to a question from the Member for Evalue Gwira, Mrs Catherine Afeku, in Parliament.The member had sought to know, as a matter of urgency, when the bill would be laid before Parliament.In response to another question from Ms Shirley Botchway, Member for Weija, on when the Communicable Diseases Clinic at Weija would be upgraded to a hospital, the Minister said the upgrading remains a priority of the Ministry."An assessment of the suitability of the proposed site for the project has already been carried out by the Capital Investment Management Unit of the ministry."Expansion and upgrading of the clinic would be done as soon as funds for the capital projects submitted for consideration are approved by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning," Dr Yankey said In response to another question on steps to curb the collapse of the Tanoso Health centre in Techiman in the Brong- Ahafo region, the minister said plans were far advanced to procure basic equipment to all health facilities in the Techiman Municipality under the High Impact Rapid Delivery Programme to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
Source:GNA

FDB warns against mentioning regulated products

The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) has warned that it will not spare radio presenters, media, and members of the public who flouted its directive and mention names of regulated products especially medicines.A statement issued in Accra on Tuesday and signed by Dr Stephen Opuni, Chief Executive Officer of the FDB said the Board had "noticed with grave concern the unlawful, unethical and disturbing manner in which some advertisers and radio presenters were airing advertisements of regulated products, especially medicines and alcoholic beverages". The statement reminded media houses that it was their responsibility to ensure that all advertisements brought to them to air "have been vetted and approved by the FDB".Quoting PNDCL 305B (14) and (15), the statement said it was an offence for any person who labelled, packaged, sold or advertised any drug, cosmetic, device or chemical substance without prior approval from the FDB.It advised the general public, especially media houses that the safety and health of Ghanaians were a collective responsibility and superseded any personal and financial interest.
Source:GNA

ZOOM LION TO START NAMCOP PROGRAM IN ALL REGIONS.

Private Waste management giant in Ghana Zoom lion will start the Nationwide Mosquito Control Program (NAMCOP) in all ten regions of Ghana after its formal launch last week. The program will first begin with a survey in various communities to identify the potential breeding sites, collection of base line information for monitoring and evaluation purposes, community sensitization about the exercise and clearing of bushes, desilting of drains coupled with spraying of the potential breeding sites. This was disclosed by the National Coordinator of the Nationwide Mosquito Control Program (NAMCOP) Alhaji Issah Mohammed at the launch of the Nationwide Mosquito Control Program last week at Koforidua in the eastern region. The launch was under the theme “Getting raid of mosquito =Getting rid of malaria.”He said the main objective of the program is to control mosquitoes in a scientifically sound way so as to prevent the mosquito transmitted diseases such as filariasis also known as elephantiasis, yellow feve,viral hemorrhagic fevers and malaria. “Through this program we shall be controlling the mosquito population, the biting nuisance that they create in our homes, hotels and other places where they hamper our daily outdoor activities”. Alhaji Mohammed further stated that, his outfit Zoomlion has acquired thousands of spraying machines, motor bikes and other related equipment for the NAMCOP program and most importantly fogger machines that uses fogging technology to spray over wider and beyond areas like river surfaces. Five thousand people is expected to gain employment from the program and the spraying will also be limited to outdoor areas only but also to indoor residual spraying.
Zoom lion had also constituted a technical advisory committee made-up of private individuals and experts from the various fields connected with the mosquito control from reputable institutions to advice on the planning, execution and monitoring of all aspects of the program as it is our policy to get experts involved in all our activities and projects he added. “ We also plan to liaise the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Education to extend the information and education on this program to the school children and general public “.“Let’s keep Ghana clean and bring the mosquito menace under control and roll malaria away.” He finally urged the public to cooperate with the workers to keep Ghana clean and bring the mosquito menace under control and roll malaria away. The Eastern regional minister Samuel Ofosu-Ampofosaid said he was optimistic that the fight against malaria in the country will yield positive results since Government spend shuge sums of money annually on malaria treatment and prevention. It is crucial that stakeholders through out the country put their hands on deck to ensure the success of this program which seek to find a lasting solution to this endemic disease. He congratulated zoom lion for their giant steps and welcomes greatly the idea of private –government partnership of this kind.
BY: Michael Father Amedor.

Between 5-10 percent HIV infections is due blood transfusion

Dr. Geoffrey R. K. Nyamuame, Medical Superintendent of the Volta Regional Hospital on Monday said: "In our part of the world, between five to ten (5-10) per cent of HIV infections were transmitted through transfusion of contaminated blood." He said "many more recipients of blood are infected by Hepatitis B and C viruses, Syphilis and other infectious agents such as chagas". Dr. Nyamuame said this in a welcome address at the 2009 World Blood Donor Day celebration in Ho.It was under the theme; "one hundred per cent voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, with special focus on the youth". He said the problem could be addressed through the formation of voluntary blood donor clubs, as blood from such donors were identified as safe, because they were motivated solely by altruism and had no reason to conceal their lifestyles or medical conditions. Dr. Nyamuame said voluntary blood donation should be the ultimate humanitarian act, an altruistic gift and should never be a marketable commodity.He said apart from the Volta Regional Hospital, other hospitals in the region depended solely on a 100 per cent family replacement donation for transfusion; a situation he said was not pleasant. Mr. Vincent Fekpe, Volta Regional Blood Organizer appealed to churches and other voluntary organizations to put blood donation on their agenda.He also appealed to philanthropists to donate either in kind or cash to his outfit to enable them motivate voluntary blood donors. Mr. Michael Ayittey Siti of Ho, who had donated blood 26 times, was presented with a radio recorder and a certificate. Mr. Emmanuel Patu also of Ho and Mr. Harrison Asiamasco of Have rpt Have who donated blood 20 and 19 times respectively, were also presented with a radio recorder and standing fan respectively and certificates. Seventy-seven students from OLA Senior High School (SHS) donated blood to the Volta Regional Hospital as part of the celebration. A quiz competition which was organized as part of the day was won by OLA SHS.
Source:GNA

Prostate cancer is the next killer after lung cancer in men-Mr.Sekley

A Biomedical Scientist and Chief Executive Officer of G2 Medical Laboratory Mr Gershon Sena Sekley,last weekend disclosed that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men after lung cancer.He said statistics indicate that 5% of men who are 50 years and aboveare at risk getting prostate cancer, whilst 10% of men at the age 40 and above with family history of the disease are likely to contract it.Mr Sekley said this at the launch of Prostate Cancer Awareness month and fund in Accra.The lecture was under the theme "A Healthy Happy Father, A Healthy Happy Family and A Healthy Happy Nation." He said the disease was really dangerous and needed an urgent public awareness education.The disease can cause emotional, physical and psychological effect on human coupled with it high cost of treatment. The Biomedical Scientist said the disease could be controlled if men who fell within the vulnerable age group exposed themselves to regular check-ups for early detection of symptoms for treatment.Mr Sekley said the medical laboratory would use the world celebration of Fathers' Day, on June 21, to create awareness on prostate cancer. He finally advice the public not relate superstitious beliefs to the disease.

BY:Michael Amedor