A paediatrician at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Dr. Beatrice Nyann, has expressed concern over a rising number of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) cases among children, including those from affluent households.

Dr. Nyann noted that recent cases indicate even children who are well cared for at home are contracting the infection. Speaking on Adom FM’s health programme Nyinsen Ne Awuo with Afia Amankwaah Tamakloe, she highlighted sanitation challenges in some schools and certain daily habits as contributing factors.

She explained that girls are generally more vulnerable to UTIs than boys. Certain behaviours, such as delaying urination while watching videos, playing games, or engaging in other activities, can increase the risk of infection.

Dr. Nyann further cautioned that babies are particularly susceptible due to their developing immune systems.

“Germs from the skin can easily enter the urinary tract, especially when babies remain in diapers containing urine or faeces for long periods,” she said. She warned that leaving a child in a soiled diaper for extended hours can lead to severe infections that may affect the kidneys. Some boys may also develop UTIs during early body formation.

For older children, the paediatrician pointed to sanitation issues in schools as a major risk factor. Germs from poorly maintained washrooms can expose pupils to infection.

She urged parents and caregivers to prioritise proper hygiene practices, including frequent diaper changes for babies and promoting good sanitation habits among older children, to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.