Professor Ajediran Idowu Bello, a leading physiotherapy expert at the University of Ghana, has issued a stark warning about the escalating public health crisis of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in Ghana. MSDs, which affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are often overlooked, yet their impact ripples through society, impacting not only individual well-being but also economic productivity and social development. Professor Bello argues that MSDs deserve immediate recognition as a national public health priority, demanding comprehensive policy attention and resource allocation to address their widespread prevalence and debilitating consequences. His call to action emphasizes the need to move beyond simply treating individual cases and instead adopt a systemic approach that tackles the root causes and socioeconomic factors that exacerbate these conditions.
The magnitude of the problem is evident in the alarming statistics presented by Professor Bello. Over 70% of Ghanaian adults experience lower back pain, and a significant proportion of the older population suffers from knee osteoarthritis. These two conditions alone contribute to a substantial portion of the country’s overall MSD burden. The economic consequences are equally concerning, as the cost of treatment often exceeds the monthly income of those affected, trapping individuals in a cycle of disability and financial hardship. Professor Bello’s research reveals that the average cost of physiotherapy for chronic back pain surpasses the earnings of many patients in the Greater Accra Region, illustrating the devastating financial strain imposed by these conditions.
A key element of Professor Bello’s proposed solution is early detection and intervention. He advocates for a nationwide musculoskeletal screening program, particularly targeting children and adolescents, to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into lifelong disabilities. Early intervention, he argues, is crucial for preventing long-term complications and reducing the overall burden of MSDs. Supporting this, he cites a study revealing a high prevalence of musculoskeletal deformities among schoolchildren in Accra, highlighting the need for proactive measures. This early detection strategy would involve integrating physiotherapy into routine healthcare services, ensuring timely access to appropriate care and management for individuals identified with potential MSD risks.
Beyond early screening, Professor Bello emphasizes the importance of broader interventions aimed at preventing MSDs. He calls for ergonomic training in various sectors, particularly those involving physically demanding tasks, to promote safe working practices and reduce the risk of work-related injuries. Decentralizing physiotherapy services to ensure access for rural communities is also a crucial component of his proposed strategy. This would involve expanding the network of physiotherapy clinics and training healthcare professionals in these areas to provide necessary care and support. Finally, he stresses the importance of public education campaigns to raise awareness about MSDs, their prevention, and management, empowering individuals to take proactive steps to protect their musculoskeletal health.
Professor Bello’s research sheds light on vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by MSDs. He points out the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses and healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for improved workplace ergonomics and support systems for this essential workforce. He also highlights the specific needs of pregnant women, revealing a significant lack of awareness regarding birth defects and the role of physiotherapy in maternal care. Integrating physiotherapy into maternity care services is crucial to address the unique musculoskeletal challenges faced by pregnant women and ensure optimal maternal and fetal health. Furthermore, he underscores the significant contribution of road traffic accidents to musculoskeletal injuries, particularly among young adults, indicating a need for improved road safety measures and comprehensive rehabilitation services for accident victims.
Professor Bello’s lecture serves as a wake-up call to policymakers, urging them to recognize the profound impact of MSDs on national development. He argues that these disorders are not merely individual health issues but significant barriers to productivity, education, and overall societal well-being. He calls on the Ministry of Health and the government to prioritize the integration of musculoskeletal care into public health programming and universal healthcare initiatives. A coordinated national strategy is needed, he asserts, to address the multi-faceted challenges posed by MSDs and ensure that all citizens have access to the necessary preventive and therapeutic services. By recognizing and addressing MSDs as a public health imperative, Ghana can protect its human capital, enhance productivity, and foster a healthier and more prosperous future for all its citizens. This proactive approach, he concludes, is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring a healthier and more productive society.
