Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-03-12 06:56:28
Ghana is facing a critical issue with over 26,000 individuals in need of cornea transplants at risk of losing their vision due to the absence of a law supporting the harvesting of tissues locally. The Human Organ and Tissue Bill, drafted last year to allow for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in the country, is still awaiting passage into law.
The implementation of this law is crucial for the advancement of healthcare delivery in Ghana. It aims to establish a national authority to regulate and oversee organ and tissue donation and transplantation, while also protecting the rights and interests of donors, recipients, and their families. The goal is to ensure ethical and legal standards are met in these procedures to meet the growing demand in the country.
A stakeholders’ summit was recently organized by the non-profit organization HCP Cureblindness in partnership with the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana (OSG) to advocate for the immediate passage of the bill. During the summit, the Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, emphasized the importance of the law in promoting eye health in Ghana.
Dr. Nsiah-Asare highlighted that out of the 250,000 visually impaired population in Ghana, 11 percent were attributed to cornea defects, labeling the condition as a “silent epidemic.” He mentioned that diseases, injuries, and infections can damage the cornea, leading to irreversible blindness.
Challenges such as lack of public awareness on corneal transplantation, insufficient donor pool, and inadequate infrastructure were also highlighted by Dr. Nsiah-Asare. The government is committed to passing the law, with the Ministry of Health developing it into a policy for approval by Cabinet and the Attorney General’s office. Increased public sensitization, collaboration, training, and infrastructural development are essential to ensure the law’s success.
Dr. Hornametor Afake, the Head of Eye Care at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), emphasized that cornea disease often affects young individuals in the population, making it not just a medical issue but a socio-economic one. Currently, corneal surgeons rely on sourcing tissues from abroad, which is costly and time-consuming. Passing the bill will establish eye banks and provide much-needed transplantation services to restore sight to thousands.
Dr. James Addy, the Country Director for HCP Cureblindness, stressed the urgency of legalizing organ donation through the Human Organ and Tissue Bill. He pointed out that without this law, many Ghanaians who are corneal blind may never regain their sight. The bill will also facilitate other medical procedures such as kidney transplantation and organ donations, reducing the need to refer patients to foreign countries or wait for the importation of organs and tissues.
In conclusion, the passage of the Human Organ and Tissue Bill is crucial for Ghana to address the growing need for cornea transplants and other organ and tissue donation and transplantation services. This law will not only improve healthcare delivery but also provide a priceless gift of sight to those in need. Increased awareness, collaboration, and infrastructural development are key to ensuring the success of the law and ultimately improving the quality of life for many Ghanaians.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
