What are six childhood killer diseases in Ghana?

The top six childhood killer diseases in Ghana that contribute significantly to childhood mortality are:

1. Malaria: Caused by an infected female Anopheles mosquito bite, malaria is a parasitic disease with symptoms such as high fever, headache, chills, and vomiting. Malaria remains a prominent killer disease among children, despite control measures implemented in the country.

2. Pneumonia: An inflammation of the lungs, often caused by bacterial infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) or viral infections like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can lead to death if not properly treated.

3. Diarrhea: This severe medical condition results from various causes, commonly linked to contaminated food and water. Dehydration can quickly become fatal during severe episodes.

4. Measles: It's a highly contagious viral infection characterized by high fever, body aches, rash, and cough. Serious complications may arise including pneumonia or encephalitis if not adequately treated.

5. Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord can be caused by bacteria (bacterial meningitis) or viruses (viral meningitis). The bacterial form can escalate quickly and result in brain damage.

6. Tuberculosis (TB): Often affecting the lungs, tuberculosis is an infectious disease spread through respiratory droplets, primarily during close contact with an infected individual. Early treatment is essential to prevent its life-threatening complications.