BackgroundAnaemia is the world’s second cause of disability and it affects over half of pre-school children in developing countries and at least 30–40% in industrial countries. In poorer malaria-endemic countries, anemia is one of the commonest preventable causes of death in children under 5 years. This study sought to determine the perceived causes, signs and symptoms as well prevention of childhood anaemia among mothers of children under 5 years in Kumasi, Ghana.MethodsA descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study design with a sample of 228 patients attending the University Hospital, KNUST was used. A simple random sampling technique was applied in sampling and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS statistical tools.ResultsThe study found that anemia was mostly perceived to be caused by poor feeding practices (43%) and fever (37%). The signs and symptoms mentioned mostly were pale conjunctiva (47%) and pale palm (44%). It was suggested that it could be prevented by giving adequate nutrition (23%), regular deworming (19%) as well as exclusive breastfeeding (25%). Mothers education and the number of children were found to be associated with the perception regarding anaemia as respondents who had completed SHS/A level were 5.14 times likely to have a higher knowledge score on Anaemia (AOR = 5.14; 95% CI; 1.01–21.8). Also, mothers who had 5 to 6 children were 1.65 times likely to have higher knowledge score on Anaemia (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI; 0.02–2.32).ConclusionPrevious experience with Anaemia and higher educational level results in better understanding of Anaemia. Therefore, extensive health education on anemia should be undertaken by the hospital authorities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to improve knowledge of Anaemia.

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Young Females Usually Migrate From The Northern Part Of Ghana To The South To Engage In Head Porting Business. However, The High Cost Of Rent In Urban Areas And The Poor Environmental Conditions Of Poor Urbanites Have Exposed Head Porters To Bad Conditions With Varying Implications On Health And Well-Being. This Study Examines The Health-Related Conditions Of Female Head Porters In Kumasi Through Stakeholders’ Opinions. The Study Used Quantitative Methods In Eliciting Information From Female Head-Porters In Asokore Mampong, Kumasi. In All, 100 Respondents; Comprising Relatives Of Female Head Porters And Other Opinion Leaders Such As The Assembly Member, Imam, Pastor, Teachers From Northern Ghana, Were Interviewed Through Self-Administered Questionnaires. Data Were Analyzed Using A Statistical Package For The Social Sciences (SPSS) And Excel. Economic Reasons Remain Topical For The Migration Of Females From The North To The South To Engage In Head Porting. While Many Of These Migrants Do Not Return Home, Leading To The Emergence Of Migrant Settlements In Kumasi, Others Return To Support Their Families With Their Earnings. Stakeholders Argued That Skills Development And Creating Of Entrepreneurial Ventures Are Necessary To Reduce The North-South Migratory Patterns. The Migration Of Females From The North To The South In Search Of Greener Pastures Is Likely To Continue As A Result Of Opportunity Gaps. However, Worsening Conditions Of Living May Deteriorate The Health Conditions Of Some Of The Migrants. Stakeholders Recommend A New Wave Of Solutions With Focus On Skills Development, Job Creation, And Entrepreneurial Training As Solutions.

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Scabies is a Neglected Tropical Disease, transmitted from person to person contact and indirectly through fomites. Though preventable, the burden and infection rate of scabies remain a menace with inadequate attention given to it in Ghana. This report presents an outcome of active disease surveillance and response measures undertaken by the District Health Management Team on the fight against the spread of scabies through case search, treatment, awareness creation, and advocacy campaigns. Students and teachers from 29 schools within the Sub District and 21,173 people in 8 communities were targeted for screening and treatment. In all, a mass drug administration was carried on 2,575 students and teachers, and 2,467 infected patients representing 11.58% from the 8 communities were treated using ivermectin 15% and 25% benzyl benzoate emulsion and Sulphur ointment. Response to the outbreak was hampered by inadequate resources and personnel resulting in low geographical and treatment coverage. Also, intensifying public education and health staff capacity building on case search and control is needed Justice Ofori-Amoah ABOUT THE AUTHOR Justice Ofori-Amoah is a District Director of Health Service and an experienced consultant in Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a Board member of the Allied Health professional council (AHPC) with a demonstrated history of working in the International Health industry and much interested in maternal as well as child health and nutrition. He has advanced knowledge of epidemiology, disease prevention, reproductive health, and health promotion. He has rich experience in mass disease outbreak investigation and scientific communication. Ofori-Amoah holds a Ph.