On 22 March 2018, Ghana joined the rest of the world in commemorating 2018 World TB Day whose theme was “Wanted, Leaders for a TB-Free Ghana.‟ The national launch took place at Mantse Agbona, in James Town- Accra in the Greater Accra Region.
Present at the function were Madam Tina Mensah, Honourable Deputy Minister of Health, Madam Elizabeth Tawiah Sackey, Honourable Deputy Regional Minister, Dr Owen Kaluwa, World Health Organization Representative (WR), Dr Nsiah-Asare, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Frank Bonsu Programme Manager, National TB Control Programme, Directors from Ghana Health Service and traditional leaders among others.
In her welcome address, Hon Elizabeth Sackey indicated that the theme for this year’s celebration was appropriate and timely. “This is a call for Government to take action to end TB” she said.
As the World prepares to celebrate the 2018 World Hygiene Day with the theme, “Save Lives, Clean Your Hands”, Mrs Toyin Saraki, the President and founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), today paid a courtesy visit to the Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WR) Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu.
The meeting was aimed at enhancing collaboration between WBFA and WHO on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) campaign to improve basic hygiene practices in healthcare facilities and schools across Nigeria.
WHO estimates that there are 30 million patients affected sepsis every year due to poor hand hygiene practices by health care workers. On 2018 World hygiene day, the global health body calls on health workers to “take 5 moments to clean your hands to prevent sepsis in health care”.
As a global ambassador for quality and improved midwifery services, Mrs Saraki stressed the significance of creating a stimulus for change and investment in national implementation during the visit.
“To quote the WHO, in Nigeria, 29% of health care facilities do not have access to safe water and toilets, while 16% do not have hand washing facilities with soap.” Mrs. Saraki says.
For more information please visit WHO Africa website http://www.afro.who.int/