Ghana currently leads glaucoma cases in Africa

Mr Tonny Twum Acheampong, public health officer and an emergency coordinator for the Elijeko Foundation advised Ghanaians to make sure they take first aid during an emergency situation before they're sent to the hospital.

Ghana currently leads glaucoma cases in Africa
Elijeco Foundation's CEO

An ophthalmologist, Doctor Ebenezer Amankwa has revealed that Ghana is currently leading glaucoma cases and its related damages in Africa.

According to him, it is very worrying how most people wait until things get escalated before seeing doctors.

He revealed that eye-related diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract, amblyopia, strabismus, refractive errors, glaucoma etc are on the rise in Africa, especially glaucoma, which mostly causes severe eye damages such as blindness and many others.

He urged that it's very prudent people regularly visit hospitals to see eye specialists, especially on glaucoma issues since damages caused by the disease are irreversible.

The eye specialist disclosed this when a cluster of health comprehensive exercises was freely organised by the Elijeko Foundation for over 500 participants in Kumasi on various health screenings.

The exercise which was named, "Health and Wellness Fair 2021",  included Free Eye Screening, Free Dental Care, Free Health Insurance Enrollment and Renewal, Free Emergency Education and Free Financial Education to participants.

A general dentist from the Washington DC, United States, Doctor Angel S. Tucker, speaking to Nana Peprah said it's very advisable to see a dentist at least every six(6) months. She said it's very necessary to follow such suits since most dental problems happen to people in disguise.

She mentioned gingivitis(gum disease), cracked or broken teeth, oral cancer, periodontics etc as some diseases that affect the teeth.

Revealing the causes of halitosis, she said poor dental hygiene, infections in the mouth, another mouth, nose and throat conditions and dry mouth are mostly the causes, hence the need to prioritize the health of our teeth. She said halitosis can occur regardless of how deep your teeth may be white.

On his part, Mr Tonny Twum Acheampong, public health officer and an emergency coordinator and educator for the Elijeko Foundation said there was the need for Ghanaians to know some basic health treatment for emergency situations, hence the need for him to teach people. 

The coordinator who believes most of the health complications are caused by most of the wrong medications said there was the need for patients to question doctors and nurses whenever they give medicine.

He seized the opportunity to advise Ghanaians to make sure they learn to always take first aid during an emergency situation before they're sent to the hospital.

Chief Executive Officer of the Elijeko Foundation, Mr Andrews K. Nyantakyi speaking to the media said the foundation dreams to make sure there's total health within the country Ghana.

He further revealed that the foundation which observed the healthy living of most Ghanaians is a general challenge, seek to help eradicate the canker from the system.

He however advised Ghanaians to always consider their health status as the foremost priority.

The CEO commended all volunteering partners and doctors in Ghana and Abroad for their self-dedication towards the success of Elijeko Foundation's dream to ensure the health wellness of the people of Ghana.

Lastly, the beneficiary attendees thanked Elijeko Foundation for such a wonderful program for free.

Nana Peprah, Ashanti Region