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Merck Foundation holds training for Health Media
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has held a training for the health media in some selected countries.
More than 1500 African and Latin American Journalists from more than 35 countries participated in the Merck Foundation Health Media Training.
The event held through a video conference on Thursday was preceeded by 8th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Inauguration & Africa’s First Ladies High Level Panel on Tuesday.
‘Merck More than a Mother’ community awareness programme aimed at enlightening people about infertility.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr.Rasha Kelej expressed her outfits commitment to conducting such important training, adding that the initiative was close to her heart.
According to her, this would empower the media to take the messages to the community and bring a change considering the important role of the media.
She added that by so doing, the stigma around infertility would be broken, and some preventive measures be highlighted.
Dr.Kelej also encouraged the media to actively participate in the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2021.
President of Fertility Society of Ghana, Dr.Edem Hiadzi made an elaborate presentation on causes of infertility and prevention.
As part of the presentation, he called for a holistic approach and government intervention in the provision of fertility services.
Dr.Wangiri Ndengwa a Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist said the problem of poor understanding of Fertility issues and financial challenges contribute mostly to infertility.
She said when there is no conception after six months of marriage, both couple must see a Fertility Specialist for early detection a d treatment adding that age is important when it comes to issues of fertility.
Samuel Lukhanda, President of Zambia Union of Journalists on his part said ignorance and misinformation on infertility issues lead to stigmatisation.
Against this backdrop, he called on the media to lead the awareness and advocacy campaign.
Other Specialists and broadcasters who spoke also threw more light on how the media could help in nipping stigma associated with infertility in the bud.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Minister of Health appeals to Tamale Teaching Hospital striking doctors
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed to the striking doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to calll off the suspension and come to the negotiation table.
However, he refused to apologise as demanded by the striking doctors.
The doctors after a meeting yesterday have withdrawn emergency services following the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital.
This follows an unannounced visit to the hospital by the Minister on Tuesday.
The Minister made the appeal when addressing the media in Accra on Today, April 24 2025.
According to him, dialogue is the only way out to resolve the issue, adding that he was ready collaborate with them.
“I am prepared for us to come around the table and discuss whatever we need to discuss,” Mr Akandoh said.
“My humble appeal to my wonderful medical doctors and health professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let’s call off the strike and let’s all regroup and strategise going forward,” he concluded.
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Health Minister donates medical equipment to Tamale Teaching Hospital, pledges commitment to reforms
The Minister for Health Kwabena Miintah Akandoh has reiterated government’s commitment to address long-standing challenges in the health sector, describing the health system as one that requires urgent reform and collective responsibility.
He made these remarks during a donation of some essential medical equipment and supplies to the Tamale Teaching Hospital on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
The donation included a wide range of equipment such as ECG machines, ICU ventilators, cardiac monitors, anesthesia machines, infant incubators, and essential
Consumables amounting to about 35 items.
Among the items highlighted were
Emergency Health Equipment (EHE) sets, nebulizer sets, and medical-grade towels.
The Health Minister acknowledged the difficult working conditions health professionals continue to endure and emphasized that government efforts alone would not be enough to resolve systemic issues.
He called for unity across the health sector and urged all stakeholders, including medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to work together to ensure that the country’s limited resources are used efficiently.
He noted that the wellbeing of the ordinary Ghanaian should be central to healthcare delivery, cautioning against practices that marginalize the underprivileged due to resource scarcity. According to him, every Ghanaian life is valuable, and the system must reflect that belief in both policy and practice.
Mr.Akandoh stressed that his leadership approach is rooted in humility, collaboration, and respect for all health workers. While acknowledging that change may come with challenges, he maintained that cooperation is key to achieving lasting improvements in the sector.
The Minister pleaded with health professionals in the Tamale Teaching Hospital to call off the strike and regroup to strategize on more effective ways to address their concerns through dialogue and collaboration with relevant authorities.
The donation to the Tamale Teaching Hospital forms part of a broader national initiative to modernize medical infrastructure and enhance service delivery in Ghana’s healthcare.
