SOFPOG PARTNERS PFIZER
In the wake of longevity comes all the health concerns that accompany old age. Geriatric care training though new in Ghana is making strides through the Faculty of Family Medicine and other stakeholders.
In October 2021, SOFPOG partnered with Pfizer Inc. Ghana Limited (Pfizer) to educate the medical fraternity on issues of geriatric care in Ghana. This Continuous Professional Development Program was dubbed “Geriatric Forum”. The presenters were Prof. (Rev) Akye Essuman, (Chair, Faculty of Family Medicine, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons) and Dr Frank Dzifa Kpesenu, (Programme Manager, Healthy Ageing Department, Ghana Health Service). The presenters gave an overview of Geriatric care in Ghana and took time to educate us on comprehensive geriatric assessment and geriatric health maintenance. Adult vaccination featured prominently in the health maintenance protocols among the older adult.
Earlier on in the year, SOFPOG was privileged to endorse a Pneumococcal Vaccination Booklet to educate the populace on the need for pneumococcal vaccination. In view of several severe illnesses from pneumococcal diseases, experts recommend that people with increased risk of suffering from invasive pneumococcal diseases i.e. people with chronic lung, heart and liver diseases, people with sickle cell disease, people treating cancer, people going for religious pilgrimages, and people over 65 years etc. to take the vaccine. We are pleased to know that the vaccine is available in the country, courtesy of Pfizer, and SOFPOG was more than willing as primary care provider who promote preventive care to endorse the book. I encourage care providers to help in this education especially those who need this vaccine to take the right steps to protect themselves from pneumococcal diseases.
Dr George Bediako Nketiah
(SOFPOG PRESIDENT)
