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Castro laid to rest

The mortal remaining of the late Castro

It was a solemn moment as family, friends and sympathisers mourned and paid last respect to the late News/Sub- Editor of The Spectator newspaper, Castro Zangina-Tong on Saturday at Russia, a suburb of Dansoman.A section of the NTC staff at the funeral

He was interred at the Awudome Cemetery after the funeral rights at his residence.

In attendance were high profile personalities in the media space including the Board Chairman of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Dr Kwaku Rockson, Acting Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr David Agbenu, Acting Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Acting Human Resource Manager, Mr Suleman Osuman.

Dr Kweku Rockson, Chairman of the NTC board with Mr Dave Agbenu

Dr Kwaku Rockson with some of the management members — Dr Kweku Rockson, Chairman of the NTC board with Mr Dave Agbenu

Also present to bid farewell to Castro were Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) executives, colleagues at work and retirees of the company and family members.

Late Castro's son weeping — Uncontrollable tears from her daughter

One-by-one as dignitaries and sympathisers filed past the casket containing the remains of the former News Editor, tears flowed freely.

In his sermon, Rev. Moses Azumah, the Head Pastor of Jesus Fire Chapel urged sympathisers to be at peace with each other “because we’ll all leave one day when we are done serving our maker.”

He said “our stay on earth is for a purpose so there is the need to search for that purpose to glorify the name of the lord.”

“As a Christian when you die in Christ, you rest peacefully and that is why we must continue to do the will of God and serve God with all our heart,” he added.

Rev. Azumah said it was important to leave in peace and be each other’s keeper in times of trouble and in need.”

Uncle Castro, as he was affectionately known, died on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

The news of his death came as a surprise to many, especially his colleagues and friends at work and in the media fraternity, having worked energetically the previous day and showed no signs of illness.

He left behind two children, Fidelis and Blessing.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie

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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study

A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.

The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.

Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”

“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.

The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.

The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.

Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.

As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.

Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.

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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement

• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas

Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.

Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.

Staff of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) showcasing their work

That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.

The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.

As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.