BY Grace Zigah
As Ghana prepares to enter the annual dry harmattan season—despite intermittent rains in recent weeks—the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued an urgent public health advisory, warning citizens about the heightened risk of skin, respiratory, and infectious diseases typically associated with the period.
The advisory, signed by Acting Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea and dated December 1, 2025, urges the public to adopt preventive measures to remain healthy throughout the season.
For decades, the harmattan has been a consistent climatic challenge on the West African sub-region, marked by dry winds, low humidity, and airborne dust carried from the Sahara Desert.
Historically, the season has contributed to spikes in respiratory infections, dehydration, and meningitis outbreaks, particularly as Ghana falls within Africa’s well-documented “meningitis belt.”
Past public health records show increased admissions at health facilities between December and March, prompting annual reminders from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and GHS for the population to safeguard themselves.
In its latest statement, GHS noted that the harmattan weather “affects almost every part of the body,” emphasizing the need for heightened public awareness.
The release outlined several key health risks:
Skin Complications: Extremely dry conditions lead to skin irritation, cracking, chapped lips, and increased discomfort, especially for children and the elderly.
Dehydration: The dry winds cause rapid moisture loss from the body, raising the risk of dehydration for individuals who fail to replenish fluids regularly.
Respiratory Problems: Dust levels are expected to surge, worsening asthma symptoms and increasing infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Eye Infections: Reduced humidity and dust exposure make the eyes vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and bacterial infections.
Meningitis Threat: With Ghana located in a high-risk zone, the dry season historically records spikes in meningitis cases, necessitating vigilance and early detection.
To safeguard the population, the Ministry of Health and GHS outlined simple but essential preventive measures:
1. Apply oil-based moisturizers such as shea butter to combat skin dryness.
2. Drink adequate water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
3. Consume water-rich foods, including fruits like watermelon and soups.
4. Wear face masks in dusty environments to reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
5. People with asthma or chronic respiratory issues should avoid dust-prone areas and reduce outdoor exposure.
6. Protect the eyes using sunglasses or safety glasses.
7. Maintain strict hand hygiene and avoid touching the face, especially the eyes.
8. Seek prompt medical attention at the nearest health facility when feeling unwell.
The Ghana Health Service reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, assuring citizens that the nationwide health system is prepared to respond to seasonal illnesses.
It encouraged the public to prioritize these preventive steps, emphasizing that community cooperation is crucial to reducing harmattan-related health cases.
