Rest in Peace Hannah

At 10:50 pm on Monday October 10, 2016 I received a call from Hannah’s dad. Hannah had passed away at home surrounded by family and loved ones. I was (and still am) saddened by the news. The life of a 14-year old was ended abruptly by a manageable illness due to a failed health system. Hannah was a strong girl full of life and dreams of the future whose resolve to beat her illness was evident for all to see. She fought this illness all the way to end and never backed down even when the complications of the illness required her to be stuck in the hospital for days. All she wanted was to get well, return back to school and also help her dad on their farm. She will be terribly missed.

Unfortunately, Hannah’s story is repeated across the country each day. There is high prevalence of pediatric mortality due to preventable and manageable diseases in Ghana. Hannah’s death is a poignant reminder of urgently needed changes in this healthcare system.


Rest in Peace Hannah, Rest in Peace.




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