Parents urged to report neo-natal jaundice early for treatment

By
Samira Larbie, GNA
    

Accra, Sept. 25, GNA – The University of Ghana
College of Health Sciences, has held a free medical screening for the people of
James Town and its environs to mark their 70th anniversary celebration, with a
call on parents to be wary of neo-natal jaundice that affects children under
age five.  

The screening saw hundreds of people being
tested for the eye, dental problems, as well as attending to children, while
beneficiaries were also educated on disease prevention.

The 70th anniversary celebration is on the
theme:  “U.G at 70 Celebrating
Excellence, shaping Futures.”

Professor Ebenezer Badoe, Head of Child Health
Department, Korle-Bu, speaking at the event said the screening was targeted,
especially at children less than five years, and to educate parents to know the
early sign of jaundice for treatment as the country was losing a lot of
children to the disease.

Professor Badoe said every week, about four to
10 babies visit the emergency ward with significant cases of jaundice.

He said parents need to know that neo-natal
jaundice was a preventable cause of death and disability, which could be
treated upon early detection. 

Professor Badoe urged parents to report
neo-natal jaundice cases to the hospital 
early for treatment as the cure was 
simple, adding that, child health was important for the future and
called on government to invest in the health of children.

“As a country we should make sure all your
children under five have good health and also all the basic things for the
child’s development are in place,” he added.

He advised parents, especially mothers, to
keep their babies navel clean after delivery as this could cause infections,
which could lead to death.

Mrs Miriam Annan, the Dental Surgeon Assistant
(DSA), University of Ghana Dental School, Korle-Bu, also educated the
beneficiaries on dental health.

She said brushing of the teeth twice daily,
especially for children, was important as the mouth was the medium through
which children and people get diseases.

For this reason it was important that people
take into consideration the type of tooth brush to use as the hard type affects
the teeth and gum greatly, she added.

Using a soft tooth brush with paste that
contains fluoride and calcium to brush day and night is the right way to keep
your teeth healthy; adding that, this contained medicinal contents and that it
was important people added it to their chewing sponge to protect the mouth and
teeth.

She advised them to visit the dentist twice
every six months for proper cleaning of their teeth and checks and treatment.

Dr Emmanuel Tsegah, the Principal Medical
Officer, U.G College of Health Sciences, said the screening formed part of a
month long activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary celebrations and as a
way of giving back to society.

He said they decided to organise the screening
and the education because they realized that most of the cases that are
reported at hospitals could have been prevented.

Dr Tsegah said after the screening people with
serious cases would be referred to the Korle-Bu hospital with an identifiable
note for further treatments.

GNA

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