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Persons with albinism call for specialised healthcare
Mr Gomez Agbodo, the Secretary to the Persons with Albinism in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, has appealed for an urgent establishment of a dedicated healthcare support systems for this vulnerable group across the country.
He said persons with albinism in Ketu South and other parts of the country continued to face serious challenges in accessing specialised and quality healthcare, particularly skin and eye care, exposing them to life-threatening conditions such as skin cancer and visual impairment.
Mr Agbodo made the appeal during a New Year interaction, organised by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, which brought together Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the Municipality.
He noted that due to the unique genetic condition of persons with albinism, they required consistent medical attention, early diagnosis and specialised treatment, which were often unavailable or poorly handled in many public healthcare facilities.
“The struggle to access proper healthcare as a person with albinism is overwhelming. Many health facilities lack trained personnel who understand our condition, and this affects the quality of care we receive,” he explained.
Mr Agbodo recounted a personal experience where he sought medical care at a local health facility in the municipality but was discouraged by the level of professionalism and understanding exhibited by health workers.
“I once visited a hospital here, but the care was not encouraging. Eventually, I had to travel to a specialised clinic in Togo to receive proper treatment,” he narrated.
He explained that persons with albinism were highly vulnerable to the effects of direct sunlight, insect bites and untreated skin conditions, which could easily develop into skin cancer if not managed early.
“Our skin lacks melanin, so when we are exposed to harsh sunlight or suffer minor skin injuries like mosquito bites without early treatment, it can lead to severe complications, including skin cancer,” he explained.
Furthermore, Mr Agbodo noted that although early medical intervention could prevent most of these conditions, the lack of specialised services, dermatologists, sunscreen support and sensitised healthcare workers, remained a major barrier.
He appealed to Madam Gomashie to raise the concerns of persons with albinism at the national level and advocate for policies that would prioritise their health needs, including the establishment of specialised clinics and training of health professionals.
He expressed hope that with strong advocacy and government commitment, persons with albinism would receive the dignity, protection and healthcare they deserved.
The New Year gathering provided a platform for various vulnerable groups to interact with the MP and share concerns affecting their welfare, inclusion and development. –GNA
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Traders have returned to the streets of Accra, occupying pavements and stretches of some roads after the last major decongestion exercise.
The exercise, which was aimed at restoring order in areas like Kingsway, CMB, Rawlings Park, Tudu etc, have now been defeated.
From Kingsway to Rawlings Park, traders display several wares including, footwear, herbal medicines, plastic products, fresh fish, second-hand clothing, and vegetables, among others.
Local Evangelists are also not left out as they scramble for spaces on the streets.
Pedestrians, therefore, find it difficult to move around when shopping, due to the human and vehicular congestion created by the traders.
In an interview with The Spectator, Auntie Abigail, a trader, said her return to the streets was to sell more, and she saw nothing wrong with it.
Hajia, who deals in wholesale items, indicated that they were unable to make sales as their colleagues move to the pavement and since customers don’t want to come inside, they prefer to buy from them.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has given traders a grace period to go back to their shops.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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The Keta Municipal Health Directorate in the Volta Region has reported a surge in mumps cases, sparking concerns among residents in the area.
The disease, caused by a viral infection, has spread rapidly in the Municipality, with about 50 persons reportedly affected in the Keta township.
Madam Tsoeke Dzorgbenyui Seanefu, a nurse at the Keta Municipal Health Directorate, disclosed that mumps is a highly contagious disease that affects the salivary glands and presents symptoms such as facial swelling, fever, and headache. She linked the outbreak to poor hygiene and overcrowding.
“The causes of mumps include the mumps virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with infected saliva, and contaminated surfaces,” she said.
She explained that symptoms include swelling of the parotid glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. In some cases, complications such as meningitis or orchitis may occur.
Madam Seanefu emphasised that mumps spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or respiratory droplets, sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and touching contaminated surfaces.
“Those at highest risk of contracting mumps include unvaccinated children and adults, people living in crowded areas, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The effects of mumps can be severe, including meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord), orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries),” she added.
To prevent or curb mumps, she advised residents to visit hospitals or the nearest health centre for vaccination (MMR vaccine), practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly under running water, avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and stay away from infected individuals.
She urged residents to prioritise hygiene and seek medical attention early if symptoms persist.
She noted that mumps cases are treatable with rest, hydration, and pain management, but medical attention is crucial to prevent complications.
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate is closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the outbreak through public education on mumps, its treatment, and vaccination services for affected individuals. – GNA
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