Ghanaians Called to Help Eradicate Malaria

Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service,  Badu Sarkodie, has called for the support of the citizenry in the fight against malaria, as Ghana joined the rest of the world to observe World Malaria Day (WMD).

He said Ghana had the potential to eliminate malaria, and called for the maximum support and collaboration of stakeholders and individuals to reach that goal.

"The idea is not just to put malaria down but to end it forever," he said at an outreach service to mark the WMD at Ashaiman, a cosmopolitan community near the port city of Tema, 38 km east of the national capital.

The WMD is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.

Has Ghana is ready for the smooth pilot of the world's first malaria vaccine later in the year, officials said.

Ghana, Kenya and Malawi will be the first African countries to try out the MosquirixTM vaccine, which acts against Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly malaria parasite globally, and the most prevalent in Africa.

Specifically, the pilot implementation program will evaluate the feasibility of delivering the required four doses of the vaccine, impact of the vaccine on lives saved, and the safety of the vaccine in the context of routine use.

The vaccine is being considered as a complementary malaria control tool in Ghana that could potentially be added to and not replace the core package of proven malaria preventive, diagnostic and treatment interventions such as bed nets and indoor spraying with insecticides.

Kezia Malm, Manager of the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), said Ghana was selected for the trial because of its high malaria burden and well-functioning malaria and immunization programs.

Malaria is a dreaded disease which kills more children than any other disease and is the leading cause of miscarriage and stillbirths in pregnant women in Ghana.

In Ghana, malaria occurs every year with varying transmission intensity throughout the year, affecting all ages, with children under-five and pregnant women being the most vulnerable.

In 2017, Ghana recorded approximately 10.2 million suspected malaria cases in the out-patient department (OPD) in a population of some 30 million people, representing a 23 percent decrease over OPD malaria cases reported in 2016.

Malaria deaths also reduced from 1,264 in 2016 to 599 in 2017, representing a decrease of 52.6 percent.

"Although the figure from 2016 represents an improvement over that of 2015, we recognize that a lot of work has to be done in reducing prevalence of malaria to the barest minimum," Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said at a Malaria Summit in London recently.

Ghana has set the target to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality by 75 percent by the year 2020.

Ghana's goal, through the national strategic plan for malaria control, is to achieve and sustain near-zero malaria deaths and ultimately a malaria-free nation.

Key interventions of this plan include integrated vector management; malaria case management, seasonal malaria chemoprevention; integrated support systems; surveillance; and the strengthening of health systems.

Malm said if stakeholders lost focus, Ghana risked losing giant strides made in the fight against malaria over the past decades, calling on all to put in more efforts to beat malaria.

By: Georgina Ama Otoo

FAMU,KNUST Partner To Deepen Pharmacy Education

About 26 pharmacy students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and four professional workers will be embarking on the second edition of the Advance Pharmacy Initiative in Florida's Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), USA, this year.

The exchange program which has been described as an ambitious agenda for deepening bilateral relations between Ghana and Florida, USA, through health education for university students, will be targeted at allowing students and participants to acquaint themselves with current trends in global health care systems.

It will focus on disease epidemics, modern pharmaceutical practices, cultural exchanges and environmental issues, and will be aimed at improving the knowledge capacity of the students about health system to enable them give back to their country upon successful completion of the program.
The lead initiator of the program, FAMU's College of Pharmacy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the sister university in Ghana--KNUST to explore exchange program in the area of pharmacy education for students from both countries to study abroad, relating to academic and research affiliations.

Dr. Yussif Mijirah Dokurugu, DrPH, MPH, MA
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and faculty
Advisor of Student Association of Global Health
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at FAMU , who is currently in Ghana on Medical leave initiated the program last year with 13 KNUST students hopes to expand the program in collaboration with KNUST.

Explaining about the initiative in Accra, confirmed that it is an ambitious agenda being explored by the school, “one that the college is tackling through an academic and cultural exchanges to broaden the horizon of the next generation of health care practitioners.”

He anticipates that the selected students from both sides will be offered the chance to get a better understanding of the best practices and systems that are in place in both nations, and allow them to bring back new ideas.

Dr. Dokurugu adding that “overseas study adventure provides students with distinct benefits as they develop responsibility, initiative and accountability.”
“I want them to learn as much as possible to be able to contribute positively to the health care delivery of every single person they may come across in their future practices back at home.”

He indicated that the engagement will explore various areas of collaboration including students exchange programs and partnership with other celebrated health experts in the United States of America,” he added.

“As the Institute of Public Health within the College continues to grow, this internship program will provide an opportunity for FAMU to add to a diverse workforce of individuals to be able to analyze public health issues both at home and abroad,” said Dr. Dokurugu.

The program, he said has been designed to give the students first-hand experience in global health issues. It will also provide them with a spring-board at competing for jobs in the field.

“This will position the participating students to be fully equipped for employment in their selected programs, governmental and nongovernmental agencies where a knowledge of international systems is pertinent to jobs, even in the USA,” he remarked.

By:Georgina  Otoo

GES urged to tackle sexual abuse in schools

The Coalition for the Ghana Youth Federation (Co-GYF), has urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take steps to tackle sexual abuse in schools.

A statement signed by Mrs Theodora W. Anti of the Co-GYF said following recent reports of sexual scandals in schools, the Coalition was of the view that the practice had been condoned for far too long in schools and it was time to stop it.

It said the Coalition was, therefore, calling on the Ministry of Education, the GES, Parent and Teacher Associations (PTAs), School Management Committees (SMCs), Traditional Authorities, Teacher Unions, the National Youth Authority (NYA), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, The Ministry of Children, Gender and Social Protection, the Media, Civil Society and all other relevant stakeholders to urgently take proactive action to protect and save the future of the girl child and our society.

“It is important to note that some victims of this abuse never fully recover even though the perpetrators are left to continue their lives as usual,” it stated.

Source: GNA

3 children dead after parents sprayed home with agro-chemical to tackle cockroaches

Three children have died at the 37 Military Hospital after their parents reportedly sprayed an agro-chemical to check some crawling insects at their home.

The sad incident happened on Friday, April 20, 2018.

The parents of the deceased children – nine-month-old twin girls and their two-year-old brother – sprayed the insecticide in the evening of Friday in a bid to tackle cockroach infestation, however, by midday the next day the children had died.

The family said to be residents of Abavana Down, a suburb of Accra, arrived at the 37 Military Hospital with severe respiratory problems, hours after inhaling the deadly substance called organophosphate, found in a product called Topstoxin.

Poisonous substance

Topstoxin is a fumigation tablet for the control of insects in stored grain, processed food and feeds.

The substance, also known as AlP, is used as a rodenticide and insecticide and a fumigant for stored cereal grains.

Experts say it is used to kill small verminous mammals such as moles and rodents.

Convulsion

The Daily Graphic newspaper reports that the mother of deceased children sprayed the rooms and stayed away for six hours before returning home. The parents told the medical team that instructions on the bottle advised users to stay clear of the sprayed areas until after five hours.

On reaching home after six hours of using the chemical, the bereaved father began feeling sick and so sought medical care and returned home only to find his wife and children finding it difficult to breathe.

The father, who was still feeling weak, sought help from neighbours, who rushed the entire family to the hospital.

Despite putting the children on oxygen to aid their breathing they died shortly after.

The hospital detained the parents for observation but they were discharged on Saturday and have been asked to report to again for review.

Investigation

Health authorities are currently investigating the source of the chemical.

The names of the parents have not been released.

The Daily Graphic newspaper quotes the a source at the hospital as saying that,”We cannot release the identities of the parents and the deceased children because we are bound to respect their private space.”

Source: Graphic.com.gh

AFRICA CEO FORUM 2016 Launched

 The fourth edition of the Africa CEO Forum has been launched in Paris, announced by the African Media Agency (AMA)/- the African Development Bank and Rainbow Unlimited the foremost international meeting for African CEOs, bankers and investors, will take place on 21 and 22 March 2016, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Following on from the third edition of the Forum, which broke all previous attendance records, Africa's key decision-makers will next meet in the Ivorian
economic capital.

With economic growth standing at around 10% per year since 2012, investment rates now climbing above 20% of GDP and exports constantly on the rise since 2009, Côte d'Ivoire is the driving force of regional integration within the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS).

More than 800 people, including the CEOs of major African and international companies, investors and political decision-makers, will attend the event in Abidjan. 

Central to discussions during the forum will be the vital role played by the private sector in fostering growth across the continent.

"For the forthcoming edition we have chosen a country and a region that is showing clear signs of robust economic development.

 The fact that the African Development Bank is based there - our partner since the first edition - was a further contributing factor," notes Amir Ben Yahmed, founder and President of the AFRICA CEO FORUM.

First held in 2012 in Geneva, the AFRICA CEO FORUM has become one of the most important events in the African business calendar, enabling participants to exchange their views and opinions on the issues affecting the economic development of the continent's companies, in a high-quality international setting that is ideal for conducting business meetings. 

The resoundingly successful 2015 edition was particularly helpful in identifying priority sites for bolstering and sustaining African growth in an unstable economic climate.

In keeping with the aims of the AFRICA CEO FORUM, this new edition
will enable participants to attend a number of conferences featuring top-level debates on how
to foster conditions favourable to the strategic development of the continent's leading
businesses.

 Alongside these discussions, the AFRICA CEO FORUM 2016 will also see the
introduction of new Deal Rooms.

This innovative meeting format, which has proved especially popular
with participants, offers CEOs and investors the opportunity to identify new partners and share their experiences and good practices in their sector of activity.

By :Georgina Otoo

Jaguar’s F-TYPE R Coupé now gains all-wheel drive traction

The best just got even better. Jaguar’s F-TYPE R Coupé now gains all-wheel drive traction and Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), helping it set new standards for dynamics and driver involvement.

Its fundamentals remain true to Jaguar’s core DNA of refined power, perfect proportions, outstanding design, and lightweight construction – the addition of all-wheel drive has increased the F-TYPE’s weight by just 80kg.

The result is a car with a greater breadth of dynamic capability, offering drivers a heightened sense of connection to the road

“The all-wheel drive F-TYPE joins its land-speed record-setting stable mate as the flagship in the line-up,” says Lisa Mallett, Marketing and Communications Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.

“Drivers will be able to enjoy tremendous amounts of grip in all conditions, without sacrificing the purity of the rear-wheel drive driving experience.”

Integrating AWD required only subtle changes to the F-TYPE’s acclaimed styling – a prerequisite that Jaguar’s design and engineering teams worked side by side to achieve – and the enhancements give AWD F-TYPEs even more presence.

The aluminium clamshell bonnet gains a deeper central power bulge. Either side are distinctive new vents, positioned further apart and further forward than those of rear-wheel drive F-TYPE models.

From behind the wheel, drivers will quickly notice the extra dimension that AWD adds to performance, handling and road holding in all conditions – and especially on slippery road surfaces.

The AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), a control system designed and developed in-house to exploit the maximum benefits of AWD without any compromise to Jaguar dynamics DNA.

IDD is networked to the powertrain, rear differential and centre coupling and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to provide optimum torque distribution.

Operating on the torque-on-demand principle, the AWD system sends 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. This maintains the F-TYPE’s rear-wheel drive handling characteristics and also reduces parasitic losses in the drivetrain.

If the system determines that the rear wheels are approaching the limit of available grip the electronically controlled centre coupling transfers torque to the front axle, improving traction.

Another benefit of AWD is the ability to vary the front: rear torque split to mitigate oversteer during fast cornering by providing yaw damping. Combined with even higher levels of feedback from the new EPAS system – a technology Jaguar’s chassis engineers have spent more than five years perfecting – the F-TYPE’s performance is now even more accessible and exploitable.

Range-wide additions for F-TYPE
The F-TYPE is the first Jaguar sports car to use EPAS, and the new system is fitted as standard to other F-TYPE models. Years of development have ensured that the technology is now mature enough to deliver the benchmark response and feel that drivers have come to expect. Since the system’s electric motor provides power assistance only when needed, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced.

The Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) function first developed for the F-TYPE R Coupé is now available on all F-TYPE models. Integrated into the DSC system, selectively braking the inside wheels mitigates understeer, helping the driver to take the ideal line through the bend.

 TVbB also helps to stabilise the car and minimise steering input during manoeuvres such as emergency lane changes.

Enhancements are not limited to the chassis and driveline technology. The instrument cluster features new dials and gauges. The infotainment system is upgraded too: navigation routing is much faster than before and SD card-based mapping is available for the first time.

Customers who wish to make their F-TYPE look even more exclusive have the option of a Sport Design Pack: the bespoke splitter, sills, venturi and, for the Coupé, fixed rear spoiler, subtly enhance the styling without affecting the purity of line which sets the F-TYPE apart in the sports car segment.

Applying composite technologies first developed in motorsport and aerospace, Jaguar has engineered a carbon-fibre roof option for the F-TYPE Coupé. At just 4.25kg, the carbon-fibre panel is even lighter than the aluminium pressing. The high-gloss lacquer finish leaves the distinctive ‘twill’ weave of the fibres clearly visible. The Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé AWD is available now in sub-Sahara Africa markets.

Car maintenance advice
We have compiled a list of top car maintenance tips. You can perform these yourself to keep your vehicle running in top shape between services.

Oil
An engine is made up of a large number of important moving parts, such as pistons, crankshaft, valves and the camshaft to name a few. Engine oil plays several important roles in ensuring that these all work together properly.

So what function does the oil perform in an engine?
Oil is a lubricant. Oil reduces friction and wear that occurs when parts move against each other, for example between the cylinder liner and piston ring, or the camshaft.

Assists in heat dispersion. Engine oil absorbs the heat produced in the engine combustion chambers and piston under crown area, cooling the engine and helping to prevent overheating.

As a sealant. Motor oil seals the space between the piston ring and the cylinder liner to prevent combustion pressure and engine power from escaping.

Oil is also a detergent and rust inhibitor. It neutralises acids produced by combustion gases, preventing rusting, corrosion and damage to essential components.

Easy to follow tips:

1. Engine oil level should be regularly checked regardless of vehicle age.
2. Only top up oil with correct grade as specified by manufacturer.
3. When topping up oil do not exceed the maximum recommend level.
For any oil related problems consult your owner's manual or contact your local Auto Service Centre.

Tyres
Tyre care is essential for maintaining vehicle safety. Tyres should be checked on a regular basis and before any long driving trips. Correctly maintained tyres will improve fuel economy, extend tyre life and improve vehicle safety.

1. Tyre inflation should be checked every two weeks.
2. Abnormal wear patterns indicate possible wheel alignment or suspension problems.
3. Vibrations in the steering indicate the tyres may require balancing.
4. Make sure that tyres have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth.

Power steering
Power steering fluid should be checked regularly to ensure it is filled to capacity.

1. The fluid can be checked via the reservoir. For the specific location relating to your vehicle please check your owner's manual.
2. Only use the recommended oil for your car, this information can be found in your owner's manual.
3. Never over fill the reservoir.

Batteries
The battery is the key component of your car's electrical system and the main cause of vehicle breakdowns. A number of simple steps can be taken to ensure your battery is kept in optimum condition all year round.

1. Check battery terminals regularly to ensure they are clean and tight.
2. Ensure that the electrolyte level is correct, if topping up only use distilled water. Many newer batteries are maintenance free and won't require topping up.
3. Make sure the battery is secure.
4. If your battery has not been replaced in 3 – 4 years consider a replacement as battery failures often occur with no warning.

Lights and electrical components
Lights are critical for vehicle safety. Electrical components including horns and window demisters need to be checked as well to ensure correct operation on a regular basis.

1. Check you lights regularly to ensure they work correctly.
2. Only use the recommended globes, this information can be found in your owner's manual.
3. Check other electrical components i.e. horns, window demisters regularly to ensure correct operation.

Cooling
Your vehicle's cooling system is vital to the operation of your vehicle.  Driving at freeway speeds and hot days put a lot of stress on your vehicle's cooling system. Basic checks can assist in maintaining your vehicle’s cooling system.

1. Only inspect your cooling system when the engine is cold. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
2. Check coolant/water level regularly.
3. Only use the recommended coolant for your vehicle, this can be found in the owner's manual.
4. If your cooling system requires regular refilling there may be a leak in the system.

source: www.theghanaauto.com/Georgina Otoo

Motorbike fuel pumps to offer comfort for riders

Customised motorbike fuel pumps at selected Shell service stations in Salaga, Salvalugu and Sakasaka - all in the Northern Region of Ghana have been inaugurated to offer exclusive services to motorcyclists.

The innovation is designed and spearheaded by Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets, Shell branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana.

These new and exclusive motorbike fuel service points are located away from the regular vehicle fueling points at the forecourt providing more space, safety and comfort for riders.
Additionally the space offers a separate canopy that provides shade and shelter to our motorbike customers when they are filling up.

In as a speech read on his behalf, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Ebenezer Faulkner said Vivo Energy Ghana is a company committed to continually innovating to deliver new and exciting products and services that offer convenience to our valued customers, and that are specific to their needs.

“Vivo Energy Ghana constructed these motorbike fueling points to offer motorcyclists a space that is specifically dedicated to them.

We have considered the unique needs of our motorbike customers and designed a special fueling point, just for them.

“The company is also committed to providing its customers with the best of Shell’s quality products and services and we are excited about our growing presence in the Northern Region” said Mr. Ebenezer Faulkner.

He said last year, Vivo Energy Ghana built 24 Shell service stations across the country to meet the diverse needs of customers looking for a high-quality retail experience.

This year, the company has ambitious plans for more rapid expansion to bring its high-quality products to the widest audience and set new benchmarks for innovation, convenience, service and reliability wherever the company operates.

 In this regard, two new Shell service stations were opened in Gurugu and Chakpag.
Mr. Faulkner also used the opportunity to educate motorcyclists on some road safety tips.  He stated that, motorcyclists should invest in good gear by wearing durable, non-slip gloves; boots that cover their ankles; and a correctly fitting helmet for all riders.

 Riders should also know their bike's limits and stick to the speed limit.
They should not tailgate other vehicles; they should use their signals; not weave through traffic or drive on the hard shoulder.

Motorcyclists must make sure other drivers can see them by not riding in blind spots and always using their headlights.

Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, was established in August 2013. The Shell brand has been in Ghana for 85 years.  Vivo Energy Ghana has a storage capacity of 11,000m³ and 142 retail stations with a majority offering of Shell Cards and convenience retail stores.

Vivo Energy Ghana employs 141 people but the business provides indirect employment to over 1,000 people.  The company is recognised as the leader in the oil industry especially championing and setting standards for safety in sales and distribution.

Vivo Energy operates in retail; commercial fuels (marine, mining and aviation through Vitol Aviation); liquefied petroleum gas and lubricants in Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Mauritius, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Tunisia and Uganda.

The company employs around 2,100 people and operates 1,500 retail stations under the Shell brand and has access to approximately 900,000 cubic meters of fuel storage capacity. Shell and Vivo Lubricants has blending capacity of around 101,000 metric tons at plants in six countries (Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco and Tunisia) producing Shell branded lubricants.

Source: www.theghanaauto.com