Healthcare advancements in Ghana and Nigeria

In Ghana, the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission is utilizing gamma radiation to address shortages in sterile medical supplies. While the government has allocated GHS 9.9 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme and launched the Mahama Cares programme, hospitals continue to face stockouts of essential commodities. Gamma irradiation provides a method to sterilize syringes, surgical instruments, and pharmaceutical products without leaving toxic chemical residues, offering a solution to reduce healthcare-associated infections.

In Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) reported that its Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) programme has benefited over 63,000 women and 5,300 newborns. The initiative, launched 18 months ago, provides free emergency obstetric care, including caesarean sections, to vulnerable pregnant women to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The programme is currently active in over 250 medical facilities across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.