Features
Zero Malaria for Ghana and Africa, a call to strengthen Action
Eradication of malaria on the African continent continues to be an albatross around the neck of stakeholders who are working tirelessly to rid the continent of the disease entirely.
Unpleasantly, the malaria disease has been a bigger source of worry in our African setting, and the death toll it has placed on the lives of children, pregnant women and men are uncountable.
The conscious effort to combat malaria is a fight that is achievable and a Pan-African movement that is geared towards the elimination of malaria by the year 2030.
Overview of Malaria
Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium and is transmitted to humans by bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes during a blood meal.
There are five types of parasites in human malaria (P.falciparum with 90 per cent of its cases considered most dangerous, P. ovale, P. malariae, P. knowlesi and P. vivax.
The symptoms of malaria usually appear 11 to 14 days after an individual is bitten by an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
Some common symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, chills, vomiting, profuse sweating, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Malaria if not treated within 24 hours, could progress to a severe form that is often fatal and some of these severe malaria are hallucinations, delirium, strong fever, repetitive or uncontrollable vomiting, inability to drink or suckle and a lethargic state.
Current Malaria Situation in Ghana
In Ghana, progress has been made in combating malaria. However, the estimated incidence and mortality rates have declined by 28 per cent and 39 per cent respectively between 2010 and 2017.
This equates to three million fewer cases and seven thousand fewer deaths each year.
That, notwithstanding, malaria continues to pose one of the greatest health risks in Ghana, placing a substantial burden on health workers and dramatically increasing costs on the national health insurance scheme.
Distastefully, the most up-to-date figures in Ghana show that malaria results in 30 per cent of outpatient and 23 per cent of inpatient visits at public health facilities.
It also results in 6.5 million cases and an estimated deaths of 11,000.
In addition, a research into the economic impact of malaria over the next 10 years in Ghana found malaria at current levels will cost Ghanaians US$32 billion including a US$ 2 billion in health system expenditures and one billion missed days of work among employees.
It would also result in US$29 billion private sector losses and a US$ 580 million in reduced household income.
In view of the facts provided, what is needed now is sustained commitment and resource allocation to drive further progress.
The Multi sectorial Fight
Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases, malaria still remains a canker to our health and our health institutions work hard to control both menace, though we have lived with malaria over decades.
The fight against malariamust be a multi sectorial approach in order to achieve the elimination of malaria by 2030.
This means that, the fight against malaria must be taken seriously by all and sundry in order to achieve a malaria-free future for Ghana.
I believe that, regardless of whoever we are and whatever we do, assumes responsibility and the bold steps to take actions in fighting malaria, then the aspirational vision to eliminate malaria would become a reality.
While the communities keep rid of stagnated water and keep a clean environment, gradually, malaria would find its way out of our communities.
Malaria and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
It is satisfying that, the SDG’s is concentrating on good health and wellbeing as stated in the Sustainable Development Goal 3.
In the SDG goal 3.3, it stipulates and captures malaria as a concern agenda.
It states that, by 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
The Zero Malaria Starts with Me, a continent-wide campaign for a malaria free Africa is firmly situated within the Sustainable Development Goals framework, and endorsed by over 150 countries across the globe, including Ghana.
Malaria has long been classified as not only a grave health issue, but as intersecting with other key development issues.
Role of African Media and Malaria Research Network
The media is a crucial advocacy partner in the fight against malaria in diverse forms.
Media would help in driving the conversation as a primary means through which the general public receives information and how a national conversation is stimulated.
Dr. Charity Binka, the Founder and Executive Secretary, hascalled on journalists to support the elimination of malaria in Ghana as a national agenda.
She reiterated her commitment not to relent on her efforts until malaria is totally eliminated in Africa.
Dr. Binka indicated that the media has impact on influencers and decision makersand this will make those in positions of influence and decision-making to take issues seriously.
Vaccination
The new malaria vaccine (RTS,S/ASO1) is the way to go in eliminating malaria as a killer.
Mr John Tanko Bawa, Country Coordinator of PATH Ghana admonished Ghanaians to embrace the vaccines because it is safe and does not have any repercussion on one’s health.
He assured that the vaccines will help improve the fight against malaria in Ghana.
According to him, 35 districts in seven regions were participating in the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP).
The MVIP is the new agreement that would increase the fight against malaria in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi to cover the rest of African continent as a pilot project.
He revealed that, about 500,000 children hadreceived the first dose of the malaria vaccine in the three participating African countries since 2019 when the pilot programme was incepted.
Malaria Campaigns
In the context of elimination of malaria, the role of various partners and stakeholders is paramount.
The “Roll Back Malaria” partnership launched the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” campaign few years ago and this campaign is to strengthen the response to malaria.
The Zero Malaria Starts With Me is a Pan-African movement aimed at bringing all sectors of society into the combat against malaria.
Since the endorsement by all 54 Heads of State of the African Union in July 2018, “Zero Malaria Starts With Me” has been gathering momentum and now 15 countries have formally launched their national campaigns.
In 2019, the First Lady of Ghana, Rebecca Akuffo Addo launched the campaign in the country.
Treatment
It is very dangerous to treat yourself malaria without testing positive to it, hence there is the need for testing before treating.
We can prevent and treat malaria in simple practices as follows,
- Seek medical assistance and a malaria test as soon as symptoms appear.
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net every night and all year.
- Take prevention drugs, especially for pregnant women and children.
- By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
- The writer is a Health Journalist and a Member of the Zero Malaria Coalition (AMMREN).
Features
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
