29th February 2024 3:12:43 PM
2 mins readUpper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI), myalgias, and other health conditions have emerged as the leading causes of morbidity in the Out-Patient Departments (OPD) across the Greater Accra region over the past three years, according to health officials.
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Dr Louisa Ademki Matey, the Municipal Director of Health for Ayawaso West Municipality, expressed alarm over the doubling of URTI cases from 2021 to 2023, reaching 25,789. She attributed this concerning trend to factors such as air pollution, which can impair respiratory functions and exacerbate health conditions.
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Dr. Matey emphasized the need for a thorough examination of data and risk factors associated with URTI. She highlighted the detrimental effects of inhaling poor air quality, underscoring the importance of addressing air pollution as a public health concern.
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Mr. Desmond Appiah, the Country Lead of Clean Air Fund-Ghana, acknowledged the potential link between URTI and air pollution. He emphasized the importance of data disaggregation and further investigation to inform targeted interventions in areas most affected by poor air quality.
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Appiah noted the involvement of Ayawaso West Municipality in the Breathe Cities clean air initiative, aimed at reducing air pollution and improving public health. The initiative provides support such as low-cost sensors, capacity building, and data analysis to enable local leadership to take effective measures in ensuring clean air.
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The Breathe Cities initiative, driven by evidence-based strategies and community engagement, aims to reduce air pollution by 30 percent across participating cities by 2030. This ambitious goal, if achieved, could prevent thousands of premature deaths and asthma cases, while also saving significant healthcare costs.
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Accra, as one of Africa's fastest-growing cities and the commercial center of Ghana, faces significant challenges related to air pollution, particularly from road transport. The city's inadequate public transport infrastructure contributes to dust and particle concentrations, impacting the health of residents and commuters.
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Efforts to address air pollution in Accra include initiatives to improve public transport, reduce emissions from vehicles, and pave roads to minimize dust resuspension. These measures are crucial for safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable development in the region.
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