Editorial
The fight against breast cancer is still on …be prepared to support it
In view of the threatening nature of breast cancer and the death it can cause to human lives, there is the need to regularly educate people about the disease.
We need to report cases of cancer early to the hospitals. This is the general advice given to the public, so that they can be attended to in time.
However, there have been cases where some doctors are not able to diagnose the disease early enough due to unavailability of required medical equipment to do so.
The Spectator, therefore, appeals to all health workers to put in their best, even in the face of challenges, to bring the situation under control.
Diagnosing disease, particularly cancer of any form, is not an easy task. For this reason, the public must bear with our medical staff.
At the same time, members of the public must also do their best to follow medical advice and report all breast cancer cases early.
This is how we can all help to bring the increasing number of breast cancer cases globally, and in Ghana in particular, under control.
Breast Cancer has become one of the medical challenges the world is confronted with today. Research has shown that it occurs mostly in women and rarely in men. According to the American Cancer Society, less than one per cent of all breast cancer cases occurs in men.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Report revealed that, more than 685, 000 women died from breast cancer in 2020 and in the same year, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease, making it the world’s most widespread cancer.
In Ghana, the story is not different. Statistics carried by the Global Cancer Observatory website in March 2021, showed that 4,482 women in Ghana were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. In the same year, it said 2,055 deaths were recorded.
In fact, it is estimated that 4,650 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in Ghana while more than 2,000 women die of the disease yearly.
These statistics buttress the fact that breast cancer is higher among women, which gives credence to the sensitivity of the disease towards women.
It is for this reason, The Spectator, Your Weekend Companion, is leading a month-long breast cancer campaign to create awareness on the dangers of the disease to women in particular, who coincidentally align with the brand personality of the newspaper.
As we draw the attention of the public to the issue of breast cancer, let us not panic but be bold enough to take preventive measures that will make us stay good and enjoy long life.
This is the surest way to overcome breast cancer as well as other types of cancer in our lives.
Editorial
Promote welfare of African children
The African Union hosts the annual International Day of the African Child on June 16 to increase awareness of the rights and ongoing struggles of African children.
Additionally, the day offers a forum for talking about and addressing topics including healthcare, education, and safety from exploitation and abuse.
It began in 1976 when students in Soweto, South Africa, were killed for demonstrating against inequality and injustice in education.
Since children have rights that must be upheld, the African Day celebration is appropriate because it serves as a poignant reminder to our communities to put children’s needs first, ensuring that they develop and realise their full potential.
Most importantly, it pushes people, governments, and communities to address pressing issues like child labour, inadequate education, and to ensure safe, healthy environments.
This year’s theme, “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010,” is no exception to the efforts done thus far by governments, individuals, parents, and others to advance the welfare of children.
In addition to their rights to nutritious food, medical care, secure housing, and high-quality education, children also require emotional support, safety, and protection from danger in order to flourish.
Children’s physical, mental, and social development depends on these necessities, yet far too many continue to be denied their rights and go without food, housing, water, or health care.
While eating, sleeping, playing, and learning are all important aspects of a child’s growth, some children do not find these activities enjoyable. Such children work independently to make ends meet although their parents are responsible for that role,
Many people and organisations have put a lot of effort into making sure that children’s rights are outlined, upheld, and safeguarded; thus, everyone must keep fighting for children’s rights.
The Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) was created in 1989 as a result of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which served as the foundation for all legal norms pertaining to children’s rights. This is the first international agreement with legal force that covers all human rights.
Therefore, a multifaceted strategy encompassing legal frameworks, education, community involvement, and tackling systemic challenges is needed to assure the preservation of children’s rights.
Laws that safeguard children from abuse must be put into place and upheld, public awareness of children’s rights and protection must be increased, and safe spaces must be established in institutions and communities.
Let us all work together to defend the rights of African children.
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
