Accra: Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye, the President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, has called on parents and caregivers to enhance protective measures for children against respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, and flood-related hazards as Ghana faces colder weather and heavy rains. She highlighted the increased vulnerability of children, especially infants and those under five, during this season due to their developing immune systems.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Boye pointed out common illnesses such as the common cold, cough, pneumonia, ear infections, throat infections, diarrhoeal diseases, and in some communities, malaria, that frequently occur during the rainy season. She explained that children are more susceptible to these infections due to the abundance of viruses circulating in the environment.
Dr Boye advised families to maintain home ventilation by regularly opening windows, cleaning fans, and servicing air conditioners to enhance air quality and curtail the spread of infections. She also recommended providing children with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to bolster their immune systems and ensuring they receive all age-appropriate vaccinations.
The paediatrician emphasized the importance of dressing children warmly in layers to protect them from the cold and discouraging playing in the rain, especially during thunderstorms, to avert risks from lightning strikes and flash floods. She stressed the need for immediate change into dry clothing and warmth for children soaked by rain and advised against allowing children to travel alone in heavy rainfall.
Dr Boye reiterated that regular handwashing with soap and clean water, consuming freshly prepared home-cooked meals, and drinking safe water are effective measures against diarrhoeal diseases. She also recommended that caregivers of newborns wash their hands post-diaper changes and before handling babies, and suggested that individuals with respiratory symptoms wear face masks to minimize infection risks to infants.
In discussing signs of severe illness, Dr Boye noted that while a common cold usually presents with a runny nose and mild or no fever, pneumonia may lead to persistent fever, cough, fast or difficult breathing, and poor feeding. She urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child shows breathing difficulties, unusual weakness, or refuses to eat.
Dr Boye also appealed to schools to contribute to disease prevention by ensuring classroom ventilation, promoting regular handwashing, and providing healthy meals. Concerning recent floods in parts of the country, she stressed the need for prompt medical assessments for rescued children and psychological support to address potential anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress triggered by traumatic experiences.
She called on Ghanaians to collaborate in maintaining a clean environment, preventing indiscriminate construction, and supporting flood-reduction measures, asserting that protecting children necessitates action in homes, schools, communities, and by the Government.