Paediatric Society President Dr. Hilda Boye Warns of Heightened Health Risks to Children During Rainy Season

Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, has issued a critical advisory to parents and guardians regarding the increased health hazards children face during the current rainy and cold season. Highlighting a surge in respiratory infections and diarrhoeal diseases, Dr. Boye noted that infants and children under the age of five are at the greatest risk due to their still-developing immune systems. The warning comes as weather patterns fluctuate, creating environments conducive to the spread of common colds, pneumonia, and waterborne illnesses.

To mitigate these risks, the Paediatric Society recommends a multifaceted approach to child care that prioritizes hygiene and environmental control. Dr. Boye emphasized the importance of maintaining proper indoor ventilation and ensuring children are dressed warmly to protect them from inclement weather. Furthermore, she urged families to uphold strict handwashing protocols and safe food handling practices to prevent the spread of infections. Ensuring that children receive their routine vaccinations and are provided with balanced, nutritious meals was also highlighted as a vital strategy for strengthening their natural defenses against seasonal ailments.

Educational institutions have been called upon to play a proactive role in safeguarding student health. Dr. Boye suggested that schools should focus on improving classroom ventilation and providing healthy meals to support the well-being of their pupils. Beyond general illnesses, the advisory addressed the severe impact of recent flooding events across the country. The Paediatric Society President stressed that children affected by floods require immediate medical assessments and, crucially, psychological support to cope with the trauma of displacement or environmental hazards. She concluded by calling for community-wide action to mitigate environmental risks, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for Ghana's youth during the rainy months.