What Is the Function of the Low Back?
Published: 18 August, 2008
The low back serves a number of important functions for the human body. These functions include structural support, movement and protection of certain organs and tissues of the body.
Breast Cancer Takes another Minor Sister
Published: 12 August, 2008
For many years the females of the Minor family in Paynesville have been plagued with cancer deaths. On Monday, August 11, 2008, the youngest daughter in the family, Dolly Minor-Briameh who was married to Gabriel Briameh, one of the late Chief Tamba Taylor's sons, fell victim to breast cancer, 16 months after her sister, Nettie Minor-Brown, died from similar cause. She was 43.
Here we do not want to talk about sex and the use of condoms due to culture and religion but 10-year-olds are getting pregnant,” Health Minister Dr. Walter Gwenigale said Monday, August 11, 2008, in Monrovia.
Two of the medical doctors from the USA at JFK Hospital
MONROVIA, The Emergency Department of the nation's lead referral and teaching hospital, John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, has received a major boost with a team of medical specialists from the United States of America.
Liberia Still Has Good Doctors
Published: 04 August, 2008
Dr. Lillian Sanvee Photo by A Tucker
The myth that hemorrhoid or what is referred to as “piles” has severe complications or highly risky if treatment is pursued through surgical procedure is farfetched. Many people believe that hemorrhoids can successfully be cured through herbal means. However, in the midst of the divergence of opinions, a 20-minute procedural surgery performed by Dr. Lillian Sanvee, Medical Director and Administrator of the St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital, has proven that surgical removal of hemorrhoid (hermorrhoidectomy) is the most successful way to treat large internal hemorrhoids. Surgical means give better and long-term results than herbal and fixation procedures.
Former US President Bill Clinton and President Sirleaf in a handshake Photo by Sando Moore
Lower Prices for Malaria Drugs
Published: 04 August, 2008
MONROVIA, Former United States President William Jefferson Clinton says more affordable and effective drugs now exist for the treatment of malaria. The new malaria drug, Artemissinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), he said, could cure malaria within three days.
Foreign Doctors Expected for Fistula Campaign
Published: 01 August, 2008
Dr. Mulbah
The program manager of the Liberia Fistula Unit, Dr. John Mulbah, has disclosed that four foreign doctors are expected in the country to team up with their counterparts in Liberia to help accelerate the fistula campaign currently being carried out in the country.
Health Ministry Officials Return from ECOWAS Assembly
Published: 01 August, 2008
A three-man delegation of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare returned home after attending the 9th Ordinary Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), 6th Steering Committee of the West African Regional Health Program (WARP), Ordinary meeting of Health Experts of ECOWAS and WAHO Liaison Officers' meeting in Cotonou, Benin, from July 20-26.
“A.M.Dogliotti College is a Step Child”
Published: 25 July, 2008
Dr Benson Barh
A former Dean of the A. M. Dogliotti College of Medicine at the University of Liberia has slam condition at the country's only medical college likening it to treatment of a “step child”.
Improve Medical School Facilities for Liberians
Published: 24 July, 2008
(r-l) Abby Tubman and Jaheedah Roane
Two visiting medical students from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, the United States of America, are appealing to the Liberia Government and donor partners to put in place the necessary mechanism for medical schools that will encourage young Liberians dreaming of becoming medical doctors.
WHO Rep: “These drugs will help people suffering from river blindness”
WHO Gives US$12.5M Drugs
Published: 24 July, 2008
MONROVIA, Over US$12.5 million dollar worth of medical drugs that cure river blindness has been donated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), Wednesday, July 23, 2008.
Epilepsy (Fits) (Seizure Disorders) Part III
Published: 21 July, 2008
Seizure Epilepticus is either a seizure lasting longer than 30 minutes or repeated seizures without a return to normality in between them. It is most common in children younger than two years, and most of these children have generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Status epilepticus is very serious. With any suspicion of a long seizure, you should call for emergency help.
At Nat'l Health Plan Confab
Published: 15 July, 2008
Dr. Gwenigale: ‘More needs to be done’
MONROVIA, Showers of praises were poured on the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) by its international partners attending the first day of a three-day national conference on the Review of Implementation of the National Health Plan.
A seizure occurs when the brain functions abnormally, resulting in a change in movement, attention, or level of awareness. Different types of seizures may occur in different parts of the brain and may be localized (affect only a part of the body) or widespread (affect the whole body). Seizures may occur for many reasons, especially in children. Seizures in newborns may be very different from seizures in toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents. Seizures, especially in a child who has never had one, can be frightening to the parent or caregiver.
Health Ministry Begins Year 1 Revision of 5-Yr. Policy
Published: 14 July, 2008
Dr. Gwenigale: ‘I am eager to share the Ministry’s progress…’
MONROVIA, More than 200 international and local healthcare specialists and advocates are expected today to begin a national health policy revision conference sponsored by the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (MoHSW), Health Minister Dr. Walter T. Gwenigale disclosed to reporters, at a press conference, held at his Ministry over the weekend.
Nimba Fistula Project Receives US$500,000 Grant
Published: 11 July, 2008
The Cristofell Blinden Mission-sponsored Vasico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Project in Ganta, Nimba County, has received a US$500,000 grant from its Australian partner to facilitate the project
Toothache is one of the most unbearable conditions that can be experienced by a person. It can be throbbing, continuous pain, totally disrupting normal day-to-day work or it can be severe, unrelenting pain which can make a person scream in agony.
24 Pregnant Women HIV Positive in Bong
Published: 27 June, 2008
One of the victims
BONG COUNTY, The County Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Bong, Dr Garfee T. Williams, has disclosed that 24 pregnant women have been confirmed HIV positive.
A man, 50 years old, came to see me a couple months ago. He was gay and complained of having marked decrease in sexual desire and ability. This is of course a very sensitive and embarrassing subject for any man, and the patient had difficulty in discussing his problem with me. He wanted to know if this was a normal aging process or if it could be his andropause since he had read about male menopause before in the Observer Doctor.
28 Fistula Patients Undergo Surgery
Published: 16 June, 2008
Dr. John K. Mulbah
Twenty eight (28) obstetric fistula patients in southeastern Liberia have successfully undergo surgery and their conditions are said to be stable, Dr. John Mulbah, Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liberia Fistula Project.
What can I do about stress? Stress is an unavoidable part of life. While some stress is normal and even necessary, too much of it can affect your quality of life and your health. You can reduce the effects of stress by identifying its causes in your life. Understanding and accepting what you can control and what you cannot, and learning stress management skills.
HIV/AIDS on the Increase in Bassa
Published: 05 June, 2008
Head Counselor of the Lutheran Church in Liberia HIV/AIDS Program in Buchanan, Mr. J. Bonokpowa Mitchell, has reported that the spread of the HIV virus is on the rise in Grand Bassa County.
Women awaiting VVF operations at Ganta United Methodist Hospital
Over 100 Women Undergo VVF Operations
Published: 04 June, 2008
GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY, The Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Nimba has undertaken one of the major operations involving women who are suffering from VVF/ vesicle vaginal fistula or rectum vagina festida/RVF.
Stress (Pressure, Tension), Part One
Published: 02 June, 2008
Stress is 'the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them'. Pressure is part and parcel of all work and helps to keep us motivated. But excessive pressure can lead to stress which undermines performance, is costly to employers and can make people ill. One of the founding fathers of stress research, Hans Selye, identified another part of this problem when he saw that different types of definition operate in different areas of knowledge. To a lawyer or linguist, words have very precise, definite and fixed meanings. In other fields, ideas and definitions continue evolving as research and knowledge expand.
Miss Liberia 2008, Bendu Parker, interacts with fistula patients at JFK
Fistula Campaigners Head for Rural Liberia
Published: 28 May, 2008
MONROVIA, Obstetric fistula (pee-pee sickness) campaigners will head towards rural Liberia over the weekend to conduct free medical surgery for women and girls.
12,000 Rural Dwellers Benefit from Free Medication
Published: 26 May, 2008
A newly United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) constructed clinic in the Bomi County town of Dagweh is currently serving free medication to several dozen of people a day.
Local Group Marks Global AIDS Week 2008
Published: 22 May, 2008
A local group has commenced the Global Aids Week 2008 in Monrovia with spectacular candle light walk and memorial service last Sunday. The walk began concurrently from the Catholic Hospital and Nigeria House intersections on Tubman Boulevard and moved to the SOS Clinic, opposite Sophie's, where the service was held.
Relief for Fistula Victims
Published: 16 May, 2008
MONROVIA, The faces of hundreds, if not thousands, of rural women subjected to gang-rape and other violent crimes, during the brutal armed conflict in Liberia, will shortly beam with smiles as Government has expressed willingness to provide them with relief through the provision of the necessary medical treatments.
Fistula Rampant in Rape Victims
Published: 08 May, 2008
Health Minister, Dr Walter Gwengalie
MONROVIA, The fate of hundreds, if not thousands, of rural women subjected to gang-rape and other violent crimes during the brutal armed conflict in Liberia appears dangling owing to their inability to seek necessary medical treatments.
Enlarged Scrotum (Big Nuts)
Published: 05 May, 2008
Varicocele, one of the causes of the enlargement of the scrotum, (the loose bag of skin, containing the testicles, that is located below the penis) is due to the distention, elongation and twisting of the testicular veins. The scrotum lodges the male glands which produce semen.
MONROVIA, The first World Malaria Day was celebrated on April 25, 2008 in Monrovia and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Luis G. Sambo, in his World Malaria Day Message, called for a concerted effort in fighting the killer disease.
Ganta Hospital Sets Up Dental Unit
Published: 29 April, 2008
The Dental Unit, which has been out of operation for over a decade at the only referral hospital in Nimba, the Ganta United Methodist Hospital, has been restored and operations on patients with dental problems have begun.
Minister Gwenigale (center) makes remarks as Curran (r) and Jacob Hughes (l) look on
Britain Earmarks US$8M for Health
Published: 29 April, 2008
MONROVIA, The United Kingdom Government has earmarked US$8 million for the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOH/SW) for its human resource development program.
Obesity (aka Excessive Fat, Overweight, Big Belly)
Published: 28 April, 2008
The foods we eat every day contribute to our well-being. Foods provide us with the nutrients we need for healthy bodies and the calories we need for energy. If we eat too much, however, the extra food turns into fat and is stored in our bodies. If we overeat regularly and if we continue to gain weight, we may become obese (overweight).
190 Students Graduate at TNIMA
Published: 28 April, 2008
Dr. Gwenigale: ‘Our concern is human resource development’
The Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) at the John F. Kennedy Hospital Compound in Sinkor over the weekend held its 23rd commencement exercise at the main campus of the University of Liberia (UL) where 190 students graduated in various medical disciplines.
US$500,000 Testing Laboratory to be Constructed
Published: 25 April, 2008
A testing, chemical, microbiological and pesticide laboratory worth US$500,000 for the Liberian Government, to be administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is expected to be constructed and completed by early next year.
Vice - President breaks ground while Supt. Gulakpai, FPGM Overseer Joseph T.S. Menjor, Foya citizens and residents
V.P. Boakai Breaks Ground for US$95,000 Clinic
Published: 25 April, 2008
LOFA COUNTY, Liberia's Vice President Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai has urged more bilateral and donor partner support for the most deprived rural sectors of the nation to ensure the equitable distribution of resources, development and progress.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, Dr. Moses Pewu, has called on all Liberians irrespective of class, status, and economic background to report without fear all rape and rape-related cases to the relevant medical facilities in the country.
World Malaria Day Falls April 25
Published: 21 April, 2008
Liberia will on Friday, April 25 join the rest of the world to commemorate World Malaria Day, according to a release from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare dated April 18.
UL Medical College, Cooper Hospital to Be Upgraded
Published: 21 April, 2008
Dr. Richard Hart and Dr. Lyn Behrens Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MONROVIA, The A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine at the state-owned University of Liberia (UL) and the Seventh Day Adventist-owned (SDA) Cooper Hospital are shortly to benefit from expertise and other materials from the Loma Linda University Medical Center based in California, United States of America.
Virginia mothers and children with Dr. Marshall-Ochillo (standing in middle) and the Commissioner of Virginia (r) at the Robert C.D. Marshall Clinic
Dr. Marshall-Ochillo Hosts Children Health Fair
Published: 18 April, 2008
Scores of children in the township of Virginia have benefited from a two-day health fair hosted in the area by a United States-based Liberian female pediatrician, Dr. Roseda Marshall-Ochillo.
Mr. Diaz and Mrs. King-Aherele shake hands after Friday's signing ceremony, as Liberia's ambassador to UN and Cuba, Nathaniel Barnes (middle in coat) and Dep. Min. Conmany Wesseh (with spectacle standing behind Akerele) look on
Liberia, Cuba Set up Joint Commission
Published: 14 April, 2008
MONROVIA, The governments of Liberia and Cuba have entered an agreement for a Liberia-Cuba Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.
Climate Change Endangers People's Life
Published: 08 April, 2008
Word Health Organization representative to Liberia, Eugene Nyarko, has indicated that climate change has a number of devastating effects that endanger the life of people in different ways.
Africare Trains 200 Health Workers in Nimba
Published: 08 April, 2008
Catherine: 'We need to improve the health sector’
An international non-governmental organization (NGO), Africare-Liberia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOH/SW) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has certificated 200 multi-purpose community-based service providers (CBSP) and peer educators in the central highland town of Saclepea, Nimba County.
Yellow Fever Outbreak in Nimba
Published: 08 April, 2008
Dr. Jabbeh: 'The situation is serious’
NIMBA COUNTY, At least one person (a male) has been confirmed dead from a recent yellow fever outbreak in Boe and Quella Chiefdom in Tappita District of Lower Nimba County.
Chest Pain in Adults (Grown-ups) Part II
Published: 17 March, 2008
Pain is an unpleasant feeling associated with actual or potential tissue damage and mediated by special nerve fibers to the brain where its conscious appreciation may be modified by various factors. Pain follows the bumps and bruises encountered in daily life, and all persons have experienced unpleasant but innocent headaches, sore throats, and muscle stitches. Pain that seems to originate in the chest generates far greater concern because it may announce the presence of severe, occasionally life-threatening disease. The new onset of chest pain and what it may connote provoke anxiety and fright; consequently, it is one of the symptoms most likely to cause the victim to seek prompt medical attention.
US Contributes US$12.5M to Fight Malaria
Published: 17 March, 2008
MONROVIA, The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has disclosed that it will contribute US$12.5 million each year beginning 2008 toward the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) program.
Retention of urine is the inability to pass urine voluntarily when the bladder is not empty. It is classified as acute or chronic retention of urine and the difference is important both in terms of presentation and management.
