Nurses Without Borders Ghana

04/03/2026

A study led by Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC), Ghana Health Service (GHS) and published in the Elsevier Vaccine journal has found that COVID-19 vaccines administered in Ghana reduced the risk of COVID-19-associated severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) hospitalization by about 20%, particularly within the first six months after vaccination. However, the protection declined over time.

The study was conducted between June 2022 and March 2024 in 32 hospitals participating in Ghana’s national influenza surveillance system. The researchers tracked 1,796 patients aged 15 years and above who were hospitalized with SARI. Of these, 118 tested positive for COVID-19.

Using a test-negative, case-control design, the team compared patients who tested positive for COVID-19 with those who tested negative to assess how well the vaccines were working in real-world conditions.

They found that vaccinated individuals with severe acute respiratory infections were about 20% less likely to be hospitalized than those who were unvaccinated. This level of protection is lower than the 60% reduction reported in a similar study conducted in Eastern Europe around the same time.

“Our findings underscore the importance of integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization systems and prioritizing booster doses for older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions,” Dr. Amoako said.

The researchers noted that the relatively small number of confirmed COVID-19 cases recorded during the study implementation and limited booster uptake may have influenced the overall vaccine effectiveness estimated.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the Research and Development Division, (RDD-GHS), University of Health and Allied Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Health Organization Ghana country office, AFRO-MoVE Network Secretariat/ Health Organization African Region, Epiconcept, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of Ghana Medical School, Birmingham City University and Kenya Institute of Primate Research.

Read full publication: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X26001180?via%3Dihub

28/02/2026

I want to share something I did not learn in medical school. It has been 42 years since I left medical school. I trained at University College Hospital, University of Ibadan. As at that time, it was one of the best in the world. In fact, the King of Saudi Arabia used to send members of his family there for treatment.

I don’t know whether I missed the lecture where this was taught. But I feel both sad and happy — sad that I didn’t know this earlier, and happy that I’m discovering it now at 67. Maybe by accident… or by the leading of the Holy Spirit. 🙏

My tummy was getting unnecessarily bigger. My clothes were no longer fitting well. I am not a heavy eater. But from age 60, my blood pressure started going up. My sugar level has always been normal.

I decided to fast — one meal a day. I prefer to call it OMAD (One Meal A Day), not intermittent fasting. I eat once daily between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Smaller quantity. That’s all.

I also do 15 minutes of exercise on my vibrating flat machine. It vibrates from the feet when I stand on it.

The first day I checked my blood pressure, it dropped to 138 over something. I thought it was a joke. I repeated it. The first few days were tough. But I continued.

Now, after over two weeks, I checked as at the time of making this post: 127/77. My pulse is normal. 😄

I feel like I am in my 30s again.
I sleep early. I sleep soundly.
I hardly wake up to urinate like before.
My energy is up.

The first few days my brain felt cloudy. I even had to give lectures in two universities. I was nervous, thinking my blood pressure would rise the next day. I checked — it was normal!

So what happened to the theory that my blood vessels had become stiff like old water hoses? What happened to plaques in the arteries? What happened? 🤔

I usually don’t eat much salt. But this One Meal A Day has changed so much.

I wake up without strong hunger pangs. My appetite has reduced. Drinks in the fridge no longer attract me. Many cravings are gone.

It is wonderful. 🙌

Imagine what this is saving me:
• Food expenses
• Medication costs
• Psychological stress

The relief! The hope that I will live longer. My tummy is now soft and flat. This morning I touched my abdomen and just smiled. 😊

I have never been admitted in hospital since 1973 when I had chickenpox at Government College, UI. I’ve never been stitched. Never had a blood transfusion. Yet since 60, I was already on antihypertensives and wondering — will I continue like this for life?

Now I feel rejuvenated. I have hope. I will not eat myself to death. I will not drink myself to death. I want to live long. 💪

Ancient people did not eat three meals a day. They hunted. Some days they had no food. They ate natural foods. This “three square meals” culture is not that old.

The exciting part is that I can eat my normal African meal once a day — and enjoy it fully! It becomes more valuable, more satisfying, more meaningful.

Please note: I do not recommend this for everyone. If you are not well, consult your doctor before starting. I do not have peptic ulcer disease or other illnesses. My main issue was blood pressure.

But for me, this has been life-changing.

Maybe we should start a One Meal A Day movement. Share your experience. Share this post. Let’s encourage those who can practice it safely.

~ Dr Charles Apoki

14/01/2026

Please take precautions and stay safe

18/12/2025

Calling Africa’s next generation of global health leaders!

Applications are now open for Cohort 6 of the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership.

This fully funded opportunity is designed to equip exceptional African leaders with the skills, networks, and vision to shape the future of health across the continent.

If you are driven by impact, leadership, and service, this is your moment.

🗓️ Deadline: 30 January 2026
🎓 Fellowship starts: June 2026
🔗 Apply here: bit.ly/4rMd90R

19/11/2025

GMA CONDEMNS WORRYING DEVELOPMENTS AT NORTHERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL FORMERLY KNOWN AS TAMALE CENTRAL HOSPITAL

03/11/2025

A good step forward

03/11/2025

Good news

03/11/2025

PRESS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH COMMENCES EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF DOCTORS

1. As part of efforts to equitably and fairly distribute doctors across the country, the Ministry of Health urges Doctors currently going through the recruitment process to accept postings to the available vacancies at the various regions and Districts Hospitals.

2. This exercise is part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to improve evenly distribution of health professionals to ensure quality healthcare delivery nationwide.

3. The Ministry emphasizes that placement is being done strictly through the official online portal, and no individual or group has been authorized to collect money or influence postings in any form.

4. Eligible doctors are therefore cautioned not to engage middlemen or pay any persons who promise to alter or fast-track their postings.

5. In our quest to achieve universal Health coverage, the Ministry of Health is firmly maintaining its policy of equitable distribution of doctors to all districts.

6. All qualified doctors are encouraged to visit the official Ministry of Health website to complete their registration before the approved deadline on the Portal.

SIGNED:
TONNY GOODMAN
HEAD, HEALTH TRAINING INSTITUTION & SPOKESPERSON
3rd NOVEMBER 2025.

PRESS RELEASE‼️

20/10/2025

THE TOILET SEAT DIDN'T DO IT: BUSTING THE BIGGEST UTI MYTH

For generations, a persistent myth has circulated in whispered conversations and casual advice: that women contract urinary tract infections (UTIs) from sitting on public toilet seats. It is a belief so widespread that many women hover uncomfortably above the seat, convinced they are protecting themselves from infection. But here is the truth: UTIs are not caused by toilet seats.

The truth is that majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), that live in the digestive tract and sometimes spread to the urinary system. These bacteria typically enter the urethra and travel upward, leading to infection. The toilet seat, by contrast, is an unlikely culprit. In fact, the skin is an excellent barrier against germs, and the conditions required for bacteria to move from a seat into the urinary tract simply do not exist.

So why does this myth endure? Perhaps because UTIs are so common, about 40% of women will experience at least one in their lifetime, and people naturally seek a visible, external cause. Public toilets, often perceived as unhygienic, become an easy scapegoat. But the real risk factors lie elsewhere and these include:

1. Sexual activity, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.

2. Improper wiping habits (back-to-front instead of front-to-back).

3. Holding urine for too long, which allows bacteria to multiply.

4. Hormonal changes, especially after menopause, which can alter the urinary tract’s natural defenses.

This is not to say hygiene is unimportant. Washing hands, staying hydrated, and urinating after sexual in*******se are all effective preventive measures. But hovering over a toilet seat or avoiding public restrooms altogether does little to protect against UTIs, and may even cause unnecessary discomfort or bladder strain.

The danger of clinging to the toilet seat myth is twofold. First, it distracts from the real causes and preventive strategies. Second, it fuels stigma, making women feel embarrassed about a condition that is both common and treatable. UTIs are medical issues, not moral failings or hygiene lapses.

The next time someone warns you about “catching something” from a toilet seat, remember: the real threat is not where you sit, but how bacteria find their way into the urinary tract. Let’s flush away the myths and focus on science.

Bottom line: UTIs are caused by bacteria, not toilet seats. Dispelling this misconception empowers women to take the right preventive steps and seek treatment without shame. You have heard.

~ Dr Mujajati Aaron

23/09/2025

SIX MYTHS ABOUT MALE FERTILITY.

MYTH 1. A man is always fertile and at whatever age.

FALSE. Even though many men can father children up to an advanced age, male fertility begins to fall after 40 years of age, and the risk of having special children also increases with age.

MYTH 2. Once a man has fathered a child or has impregnated a woman before, he remains fertile forever.

FALSE: A man can lose his fertility at any point in time during his lifetime, many medical conditions or lifestyle factors can lead to low s***m count so the fact that the man has fathered a child before or has impregnanted a female before does not indicate that he cannot suffer from infertility.

Myth 3. Excessive sexual in*******se or frequent ma********on can lead to low s***m counts and infertility.

FALSE : Regular sexual in*******se or frequent ma********on in no way affects s***m counts or quality. It is a healthy sexual outlet regardless of number of times performed and does not reduce fertility.

MYTH 4. Infertility is always a female issue.

FALSE: A common myth around male fertility is that infertility factors must always be attributed to the female. One-third to half of all infertile cases are male-dominated.

MYTH 5. When a man is diagnosed with a low s***m count he is unable to have children for the rest of his life .

FALSE: Many men diagnosed with low s***m counts are able to father children along the line without any difficulty, s***m counts can improve with time with lifestyle changes like reduction alcohol consumption, exercise, reduction in use of recreational drugs, eating right and avoiding steroids. With technologies like IVF,ICSI,TESE, etc, even the very severe cases can be salvaged.

MYTH 6. Male infertility is a hereditary condition.

FALSE: Whilst it is true that genetics can play a role in male infertility it is not a deciding factor and many men with serious genetic defects might not even be able to father children at all much more transmitting these deffective genes to their offspring.

Other myths, including the effects of the use of laptops, phones, and other electronic devices, on fertility are up for debate. Maybe these questions will be answered in the near future.
For years, fertility has been a female problem. Male infertility is real and on the increase, evaluation of the male partner is key in addressing issues of infertility. Say no to machismo and masculine pride.

Dr Joseph Homiah
[email protected]
Accra Fertility Centre

11/08/2025

"Baking soda isn’t just for baking! It has numerous health benefits, from balancing pH levels to alleviating heartburn and improving oral hygiene. It’s a simple, affordable solution that can be a powerful ally in your wellness journey.

My Personal Reasons:

1. Start using MindBiotic for gut health to improve your overall wellness. A healthy gut helps maintain pH balance and supports immunity. >> https://bit.ly/42LvTDc

2. Use baking soda as a natural remedy for heartburn by mixing a small amount with water to neutralize stomach acids.

3. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your bath to soothe muscles and refresh your skin.

4. Mindful Meals provides excellent recipes for balancing your gut and overall health, even helping with heartburn relief. >> https://bit.ly/4kprjk5

5. Keep your oral health in check by brushing with baking soda to remove plaque and whiten teeth."

~ Dr Partha Nandi