WHAT WE DO

Majority of the drains in Kumasi are not covered and therefore highly exposed to misuse by individuals and industries who dispose all manner of solid and liquid waste into them. Some residents of the city indiscriminately pollute our drains and choke them with filth. A walk through some principal streets of the Kumasi metropolis during the day and at dawn reveals numerous food vendors who sell their food very close to the drains (gutters). This story is not different from other suburbs of the capital city. Many of these food vendors use the drains as refuse damp and drop virtually anything they create as waste into them. This inappropriate act does not only contribute to already ascending malaria cases and other filth related health complications city’s drainage system to choke. Large, but has also caused the amount of solid wastes majority of which are iced water and iced cream sachets, canned drink containers, sugar cane and orange peels and many others are created by passengers and vendors at lorry stations in the city. The sad story is that, this huge solid waste is not properly managed and as a result ends up in the city’s drainage system when it rains. This inevitably causes the drains to choke and make it almost impossible for liquid waste to pass through the drains unrestricted producing pungent odor and causing nuisance to the public. This situation is further worsened by passengers who indiscriminately throw whatever waste they create onto the streets when they are onboard a vehicle. Another infamous act that has become very rampant is discarding of all forms of waste into our open drains indiscriminately by some inhabitants of the metropolis during heavy rains. This is done with the erroneous impression that, the garbage would be carried to the nearby source of water. These solid wastes tend to pile up at certain points of the drainage systems forming a blockage and impede the free flow of liquid waste and rain water. During heavy rainfall however, the incoming rain water therefore has no option but to overflow the drains and end up in people’s homes and offices and the devastating effects cannot be underestimated. Traders at our various market centers create all forms of solid waste which are mostly not properly managed. The wastes created are therefore left to accumulate for several days forming heaps which are washed into our drainage system when it rains. The city’s drainage systems which are not designed to isolate solid waste become choked and thereby impeding the free flow of water through it. During heavy rains, the impediment caused by filth in drains forces rain water to find alternative and unnatural route leading to the loss of valuable lives and property. There is something fundamentally wrong with how most of the city’s drains have been constructed. One does not need a technical eye to see that the drains are too shallow and not big enough to contain the volume of the vast water that flows through them during the rainy season. This limitation of the city’s drainage system causes water to overflow onto the streets destroying them and in some cases carry vehicles and their unfortunate occupants away. This evidently reduces the life span of the city’s roads owing to the numerous “pot holes” that emanates as a result of the high pressure that accompanies the rain water that flows over it. In the July 2009, the road that leads to Kaneshi Market from First light was reduced to wrecks after a heavy downpour due to choked drains along the main Kaneshi High way.

attached to social class, we contend for relinquishing unbending gathering arrangements, testing the energy of parents in relation to both selection and grouping, and changing educational module and assessment systems to make them more comprehensive of the extensive variety of human intelligences. In connection to respect and recognition, we call for much more inclusive processes for respecting differences not only in schools’ organisational cultures, but also in their curriculum, pedagogy and assessment systems. Regarding inequalities of power, we call for democratization of both teacher-student relationships and school and college organization. For promoting equality of love, care and solidarity, we argue that schools need to develop an appreciation of the intrinsic role that emotions play in the process of teaching and learning, to provide a space for students and teachers to talk about their feelings and concerns, and to devise educational experiences that will enable students to develop their emotional skills or personal intelligences as a discrete area of human capability. Most of the discussion about equality in education is focused on how to equalize access to and participation within different levels of formal education for different social groups (Lynch, 2000). While equalizing access and participation are key equality objectives, we need a more holistic and integrated approach to the achievement of equality in education if we are to make schools truly egalitarian institutions. Drawing on extensive empirical research we have undertaken on education[Lynch, 1989, 1999a; Lynch and Lodge, 2002 and Lyons, Lynch, Close, Sheerin and Boland, 2003.] and our work in Equality: From Theory to Action (2004) we begin by setting out the basic principles of equality of condition that we believe are essential for promoting equality in education. We then outline how these principles apply to four major equality problems in education. We suggest that equality in education can only be achieved if we recognize the deeply integrated relationship that exists between education and the economic, political, socio-cultural and affective systems in society .

I can also not hesitate to recall the 2 KG pupils die in classroom collapse at Asiwa Presby in the Bosome Freho District Assembly in the Ashanti Region – Ghana Also, Gomoa Afransi District Assembly Primary school is located in the District Capital of Gomoa East in the Central Region. The School is one of the oldest basic school infrastructures in the Gomoa East District. The school was established in 1946 according to the headmistress with now student population of three hundred and two (302) pupils both KG and primary with 10 (ten) teachers. The school has produced numerous graduates for the development of Ghana since 1946, when we were being colonized by Britain. History tells us clearly that this primary school is older than Ghana’s independence by seven good years and still counting. Abandoned school structures due to its weak nature. As we all know , education is the main driving force of a country`s economy and without it , how can the lives of people in the environment better . Through Science and Technology , countries like the US , China , Japan , Russian , Britain and many others have taken their standard of living to a different level and setting them apart from most of the underdeveloped countries . With education , we can educate our children to hope and work towards a better future . It is therefore part of our priority to make sure that people get the best out of what education can offer since we can change our world and environment through better and incredible training services and education facilities which will give birth to power leaders to help make our lives and our environment better . Help us today that we will make this a relity . Remember that your support is what keeps us going . Form part of this journey and let`s do this for the better of the current and future generation in areas relating to health , employment , discoveries , inventions and more .

Moreover, livestock also meets people’s food requirements. Many other industries such as processing of fruits as well as vegetables and rice husking get their raw material mainly from agriculture. The revenue of the government, to a larger extent, relies on the success of agricultural sector.

The nation’s export trade depends largely on agricultural sector. For example, agricultural commodities such as jute, tobacco, spices, oilseeds, raw cotton, tea as well as coffee accounts for approximately 18 % of the entire value of exports of a country. This demonstrates that agriculture products also continue to be important source of earning a country foreign exchange.

Plastic waste poses serious threats to the health of soils. The use of biodegradables in our Farms should be our priority.

As agricultural sector development takes place, production increases and this leads to expansion of marketable surplus. This may be exported to other nations. Construction of irrigation schemes, drainage system as well as other such activities in the agricultural sector is important as it provides larger employment opportunities.
Agriculture sector provides more employment opportunities to the labor force that reduce the high rate of unemployment in developing countries caused by the fast growing population. A stable agricultural sector ensures a nation of food security.

The main requirement of any country is food security. Food security prevents malnourishment that has traditionally been believed to be one of the major problems faced by the developing countries.

Most countries rely on agricultural products as well as associated industries for their main source of income. In addition to providing food and raw material, agriculture also provides employment opportunities to very large percentage of the population.

•    The implementation of free maternal health services, repositioning family planning and training as well as repositioning reproductive and child health staff;

•    A safe motherhood task force is operational and government is supporting increased production of midwives through direct midwifery training. For example, with two new midwifery training schools opened in Tamale and other places, the initiative has resulted in 13 per cent increase in national enrolment between 2007 and 2009. Moreover, in 2010, midwives received specific training on the use of partograph. Knowledge in the use of partograph promotes confidence, reduces prolonged labour, caesarean sections and intrapartum still births;

•    The High Impact Rapid Delivery (HIRD) approach is also being implemented as a complementary strategy to reduce maternal and child mortality. Several districts have indicated progress in service indicators achieved and innovative strategies implemented with regard to improving maternal health;

•    Other interventions also include Ghana VAST Survival Programme, Prevention of Maternal Mortality Programme (PMMP), and Safe-Motherhood Initiative;

•    There are also projects such as Making Pregnancy Safer Initiative, Prevention and Management of Safe Abortion Programme, Maternal and Neonatal Health Programme and Roll Back Malaria Programme, Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT); and

•    Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) is being implemented in all 10 regions. The full a complement of required resources (midwives, equipment) is still in progress.

KEY CHALLENGES

In order to achieve the MDG of reducing maternal mortality by three-quaters, several challenges and bottlenecks have been identified in maternal health services. These challenges include:

•    Increase in scaling up maternal health services, particularly at the district level as well as investments in Community Health Planning Services and related Primary Health Care infrastructure and systems within the context of the Ouagadougou Declaration;

•    Improving Deployment of skilled health workers, supply of equipment, logistics, staff accommodation, transportation and ambulance services in addressing human resource constraints and poor quality of care continue;

•    Referrals still remain a problem in many districts. Three out of the five districts visited had no ambulance services. Although regional and district hospitals are well equipped to handle complicated labour cases, the main issue is how to timely transport women in labour to these facilities. The national ambulance service is said to be expensive (and probably not yet able to ensure district-based services);

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

-It helps in the attainment of personal ambition.
-It favors personal efficiency.
-It contributes to an individuals lifespan.
-It has much to do with happiness and success.

REDUCTION OF CHILD HEALTH

Causes of death for children younger than 5 are:
1. Pneumonia (kills 1.2 million children annually)
2. Preterm complications (1 million)
3. Newborn infections (700,000)
4. Diarrhea (700,000)
5. Birth complications (600,000)
6. Malaria (500,000)
Childhood malnutrition is the underlying cause of 35 percent of all deaths among children younger than 5, so proper nutrition is foundational to helping prevent many deaths.

SOLUTIONS

solutions to the most preventable causes of under-5 deaths include:
1. Immediate and exclusive breastfeeding
2. Skilled attendants for antenatal, birth, and postnatal care
3. Access to nutrition and micro nutrients
4. Family knowledge of danger signs in a child’s health
5. Water, sanitation, and hygiene
6. Immunizations
These solutions are among the various interventions that World Vision employs in its work to promote mother and child health. World Vision works with communities to train and equip midwives and local health workers; with governments to provide supplies and resources to clinics and hospitals; and with parents to teach best practices in the care and nurture of their young children.

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

With the increasing complexity of the health care system, patients now have an incredible array of choices when it comes to receiving care. This often includes the option of selecting what type of health care facility they wish to utilize. Understanding the differences between the various types of facilities is crucial when trying to make an informed decision about medical care.

HOSPITAL

A hospital’s primary task is to provide short-term care for people with severe health issues resulting from injury, disease or genetic anomaly. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, hospitals bring together physicians in assorted specialties, a highly skilled nursing staff, various medical technicians, health care administrators and specialized equipment to deliver care to people with acute and chronic health conditions. Many hospitals offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, scheduled surgeries, labor and delivery services, diagnostic testing, lab work, and patient education. Depending on their health situation, patients may receive inpatient or outpatient care from a hospital.

AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER

Some surgeries are too complex to be done safely in a doctor’s office but simple enough that patients generally do not require hospital care after undergoing them. Ambulatory surgical centers are designed to provide these types of procedures. Also referred to as outpatient or same day surgery centers, these facilities offer a safe environment for the surgery and basic monitoring during the initial post-operation hours. Ambulatory surgical centers are often a less expensive option than a hospital. A study led by Dr. John Hollingsworth, a researcher at the University of Michigan’s Dow Division of Health Services Research and Center for Healthcare Outcomes &Policy and an assistant professor of urology at the university, compared the cost of 22 common urology procedures at various health care facilities and found that the same procedures generally cost significantly less when performed at an ambulatory surgical center instead of a hospital.

DOCTOR’S OFFICE

A doctor’s office is a medical facility where one or more doctors provide treatment to patients. Doctor’s offices are often focused on one type of medicine; the health providers operating there are either general practitioners or practice a common specialty. Doctor’s offices provide routine care as well as treatment for acute conditions that do not require immediate intervention. While these facilities are traditionally called a doctor’s office, the doctor is rarely the only medical professional on staff. In many cases, physician assistants and nurses also contribute to the delivery of patient care.

URGENT CARE CLINIC

When patients are unable to get to their doctor’s office or want basic medical care without an appointment, an urgent care clinic might be the perfect choice. Sometimes called walk-in clinics, these facilities offer outpatient care immediately. However, it is important to note that an urgent care clinic is not the same as a hospital’s emergency room. If the issue is something that you would normally see your doctor for like a stomach virus or a sprained ankle, then an urgent care clinic is appropriate. If you have a complex health situation or your issue is a true medical emergency like chest pain, breathing difficulties, broken bones or an extremely high fever, then you should head to the hospital’s emergency room without delay.

NURSING HOME

A nursing home is designed for patients who require constant care but do not need to be hospitalized and cannot be cared for at home. Often associated with seniors who require custodial care in a residential facility, it can actually serve patients of all ages who require this level of care. Nursing homes have medical personal onsite 24 hours a day. A physician, skilled nurses and therapists are on staff to oversee and provide medical care, assistance with medications, and services like physical, speech and occupational therapy. In addition, the nursing home’s staff offers help with basic tasks that can be challenging for individuals with health issues, including feeding, bathing and dressing.

When seeking care for yourself or a loved one, it helps to have a sense of the types of services that various health care facilities offer. Ultimately, the facility that will best suit your needs depends on the patient’s health situation, their insurance coverage and the type of care required.

CLEAN WATER

Water is consumed daily by almost everyone either orally or through the skin by showering/bathing, swimming, etc. Clean water is an essential nutrient, the basis of fluids of all living organisms, and absolutely necessary to sustain life. When we talk about achieving optimum health, consuming clean water should be at the top of the “most important” list. It has been said that water is the world’s best beauty elixir! With that type of statement, who wouldn’t want to drink-up!

Did you know that every cell in your body is bathed in water? Water makes up nearly 85 percent of our brain, about 80 percent of our blood and about 70 percent of lean muscle. Water accounts for about 60% of a man’s body weight and represents about 50% of a woman’s weight. However, water deficiency can quickly lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry on normal functions. Chronic dehydration has been called “the hidden epidemic” and an estimated 75% of all North Americans are chronically dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can zap your energy, make you tired and affect mental clarity. Be aware that water loss of 9-12% total body weight can be fatal.  Dehydration is a major cause of infant illness and death throughout the world and hospitalization for the elderly. So in a nutshell, dehydration creates some very real health risks.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER

• Reduces headaches .
• Helps mental alertness .
• Benefits digestion .
• Helps with constipation .
• Replenishes skin tissue .
• Anti-aging properties .
• Regulates body temperature .
• Maintains healthy fluid .
• Levels in the body .
• Flushes out toxins &waste products .
• Increases energy .
• Helps with weight loss .
• Bathes the cells of the body .
• May help with asthma &allergies .
• Boosts metabolic rate .
• Reduces risk of dehydration .
• Serves as transport for nutrients .
• Helps kidneys .
• Helps maintain normal bowel function .
• Moisturizes air in the lungs .
• Helps with joint &muscle health .
• May help with lower back pain .