The COVID-19 outbreak has shaken up how people in Ghana think about and use medical services. Fear of the virus has been a big player in this change. A recent study dug into this, showing how worry about COVID-19 has swayed people's healthcare decisions. People's choices about where and when to seek medical help have shifted. Some might avoid hospitals, fearing expo...
In Ghana, medical experts are exploring a new tool to detect protein in urine. This test, known as the Test-it PrCr Urinalysis Dipstick Test, is made in South Africa. The goal is to see if it can be useful in hospitals across the country. The test checks for proteinuria, which is a sign of kidney problems. The focus is on three main areas: how suitable the test is, ...
In Ghana, breast cancer screening rates among women are low. This is a big problem because early detection is key to fighting breast cancer. Islamic women in Ghana face extra challenges when it comes to getting screened. These challenges are often tied to their culture and religion. Understanding these barriers is the first step in improving screening rates among Mus...
In many developing countries, teens face big mental health hurdles. But their thoughts on the matter often get sidelined. That's where co-design comes in. It's a way to shape solutions that fit the specific needs and setting of a community. But making it work in places with few resources and unique cultural factors? That's the challenge. In Northern Ghana, a gr...
In Ghana, a significant worry has emerged in the health sector. People living with HIV face an increased risk of heart problems. This is due to a mix of factors, including lifestyle choices and the long-term use of HIV medications. A recent investigation focused on this issue in the Western Region of Ghana. The study aimed to understand how big the problem is. It lo...
In Ghana, many people have strange ideas about periods. This is true for a lot of places, but it is especially true in low-income countries. There are 1. 8 billion girls and women who get periods around the world. This is a big deal. It is important to understand what is going on in Ghana. In the Volta Region of Ghana, researchers talked to parents, teachers, and...
In the heart of northern Ghana, farmers are getting a helping hand from a new tool called the DROP app. This isn't your average weather app; it's designed specifically for small-scale farmers who rely on rain for their crops. The app offers two types of rainfall forecasts: one based on scientific data and the other on local, traditional knowledge. It also provides in...
In 2022, Ghana saw a troubling increase in new HIV infections, with over 16, 500 cases reported. This issue is particularly concerning among men, who are less likely to get tested compared to women. The latest data shows that only 12% of men aged 15-49 have ever taken an HIV test, while 17% of women in the same age group have. This gap is surprising, especia...
Cancer is a big problem in Ghana, and it's even worse in the north. People there don't always stick to the medical treatments they're given. Why? That's a mystery that needs solving. First, let's talk about the big picture. Cancer is a tough fight anywhere, but in northern Ghana, it's even harder. People there face lots of challenges. They might not have easy access...
Ghana took a big step in 2008 to make healthcare more accessible. They introduced a policy that waived user fees for certain health services. This move was aimed at making it easier for people to access maternal health services, which in turn, would improve the health of both mothers and their children. The idea was to break down the financial barriers that often kep...