More Stories from Ghana

"Another young girl appeared quite ill and malnourished. She had a couple of skin ulcers and a large mass, likely lymph node, in the right side of her neck. I wondered if it was Yaws since I had learned it caused enlarged nodes, but this seemed worse and localized. I was concerned about leukemia. I had Dr Ernest come over and he suspected TB (tuberculosis) as Scrofula, which is TB outside the lungs. We convinced the mother to see the local clinic and hospital in Salt Pond to assess her daughter. Interestingly, they both returned the next day with a file that included exam notes, lab work and an x-ray with instructions to go to Central Hospital for more tests the next day. As in the U.S., any case of diagnosed tuberculosis is followed closely by public health agencies, including testing on family members and others who were possibly exposed. Furthermore, the evaluation and treatment is free. Such examinations, testing and treatments are free in Ghana, as are other programs, such as supplying mosquito nets for pregnant women and young children." 

Picture: mother and daughter making shea butter