The Deputy Director of the Family Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Isabella Sagoe-Moses has revealed that the country recorded 10,684 jaundice cases in newborns nationwide in 2020.
She said newborn jaundice was a disease that normally occurred when the colour of the skin and eyes of the baby began to look yellowish within the first 28 days of birth.
Dr Sagoe-Moses disclosed this during a virtual national launch of Newborn Jaundice Awareness Month 2021, organised by the Paediatric Society of Ghana.
It was on the theme: “Early initiation of breastfeeding keeps the yellow away,” and sought to increase nationwide awareness on preventing the disease.
Dr Sagoe-Moses cited germs in the body, blood group differences between mother and baby, camphor use in babies with a condition of the blood known as Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), dehydration from poor feeding, abnormal blood cell, bruising at birth and liver diseases as some of the common causes of newborn jaundice.
She the awareness of newborn jaundice should be improved, especially in rural areas, to save the lives of babies.
She called on the Government and other stakeholders to enhance the capacities of Paediatricians and provide them with the necessary health equipment to boost their healthcare service delivery.
Dr Sagoe-Moses urged health workers to be baby-friendly and deepen the education on ensuring nursing mothers healthily breastfed their babies to accelerate growth.
Dr Alhassan Abdul-Mumin, the Head of Paediatric and Child Health Department at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, advised parents to be more concerned about the health of their babies by monitoring their development to ensure they were free from diseases.
He urged them to visit the nearest health facility for assessment immediately they realised the baby was unwell.
Latest Stories
-
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
19 mins -
GPL 2023/24: Hearts of Oak beat Hearts of Lions to go top of Kotoko
27 mins -
Otumfuo calls for improved payment systems for road contractors
34 mins -
Don’t transmit the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to Akufo-Addo – Presidency to Parliament
40 mins -
Ghana’s economic downturn not only due to COVID-19 but also excessive spending – IMF
43 mins -
Canon Miraisha Partners with SOS Children’s Villages Morocco to Empower Youth through Photography Education
58 mins -
Gunmen in Nigeria kidnap about 100 in weekend attacks
2 hours -
Aftermath of soldiers killings: Bloodbath in Delta, villagers flee, hide in forests
2 hours -
Evergrande: China property giant and its founder accused of $78bn fraud
3 hours -
All set for ‘Detor – The Rise of A Warrior Hunter’ premiere
3 hours -
Obaapanin Grace Duoduwaa aka Ogrey
3 hours -
How to heal your heart after you’ve been left
4 hours -
Joy FM’s Eastern Camp Adventure: Discoveries, experiences, excitement!
4 hours -
There are 3 types of divorced men — and only one is relationship material
4 hours -
More than 79,000 Ghanaian girls 12 -17 years married, living with men
4 hours