World Health Day 2025 Celebration Focuses on Infectious Diseases in Mining Communities
The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) joined the global community on 7th April, 2025 in observance of World Health Day with a Public Health Lecture held under the theme: “Infectious Diseases in Mining Communities.” The commemoration formed part of the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing public health through education, community engagement, and research tailored to local and national priorities.
The Keynote Speaker for the lecture was Dr Joycelyn Assimeng Dame, a Senior Lecturer of the University of Ghana Medical School and a Paediatric Infectious Disease Physician at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
This year’s celebration aligned with the global theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” and highlighted the often-overlooked health challenges faced by mining populations. The event was chaired by the Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor (Mrs) Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, who opened the programme with a call for sustainable, collaborative action to address the health inequities that disproportionately affect mining communities.
Addressing participants at the UMaT Auditorium, Professor (Mrs) Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo underscored the importance of Mining communities like Tarkwa to national development, but expressed worry at the numerous health risks they face from respiratory infections to poor sanitation. She sought for intervention from the appropriate institutions and bodies to safeguard the well-being of people living in these communities.
The Chairman of the Planning and Health Services Committee, Dr Evans Kokroko, in his welcome address emphasized the importance of creating platforms that blend scientific discourse with real-world impact. He noted that the Annual Public Health Lecture provides a critical opportunity to exchange knowledge and inspire actionable strategies to improve health outcomes.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Joycelyn Assimeng Dame presented on the topic, “Infectious Diseases in Mining Communities: Risks, Transmission Pathways and Prevention”. Her presentation explored the wide-ranging health threats present in mining environments and emphasized prevention as the most effective public health strategy.
Dr Dame explained that mining communities are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections such as tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis. These conditions she explained arise from prolonged exposure to silica dust during mining operations and are compounded by overcrowded and poorly ventilated living and working conditions. She stressed the need for effective dust control, use of N95 respirators, regular health screenings, and TB preventive therapy as essential strategies to protect miners’ respiratory health.
Dr Dame further highlighted the growing threat of zoonotic and waterborne diseases particularly rabies and leptospirosis which are caused by increased human-animal interactions, inadequate waste management, and stagnant water in mining camps. She hinted that in many cases, stray animals and rodents act as carriers, exposing residents to infections through bites, scratches, or contact with contaminated water and recommended mass dog vaccination, improved rodent control, sanitation reforms, and public education to reduce these risks.
Another area highlighted by the speaker during the lecture was environmental factors which she stated also contributes to the spread of vector-borne and food-borne diseases, such as malaria, cholera, and other diarrheal illnesses. She said that in mining communities where drainage and sanitation infrastructure are poor, mosquito breeding and food or water contamination are widespread. Dr Dame, therefore, called for enhanced vector control, access to clean water, and hygiene promotion as key components of disease prevention in these areas.
Turning attention to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Dr Dame noted that mining communities often experience disproportionately high rates of HIV and other STIs due to labour migration, limited access to healthcare, and the prevalence of commercial sex workers. She advocated for the implementation of comprehensive sexual health programmes that prioritise education, routine testing, condom distribution, and stigma reduction to mitigate these risks.
The speaker concluded her lecture by emphasising the vital role of universities, including UMaT, in conducting research, surveillance, community outreach, and policy advocacy. She called for stronger collaboration between academia, the health sector, and industry to ensure lasting, systemic change. “Economic development must not come at the cost of human lives,” she affirmed. “With collective action and sustained investment in health, we can break the cycle of infectious diseases and uphold dignity and equity in all mining regions.”
In her closing remarks, the Pro Vice Chancellor commended the speaker for her clarity and depth of insight. She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to being a leader in advocacy, especially within mining contexts. Professor (Mrs) Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo concurred with the speaker on the need for collective responsibility from academia, government, industry, and community to confront and overcome the health challenges within the numerous mining communities in Ghana.
The World Health Day 2025 celebration received participation from the University community, staff and students from educational institutions in the municipality, health workers, partners from the mining industry, the police, prisons and the general public. It concluded with renewed commitment to knowledge-sharing, policy dialogue, and inclusive development particularly for those in underserved mining communities.
