Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana’s premier healthcare institution, has joined the global medical community in observing Respiratory Care Week for the very first time.
This maiden celebration marked a significant milestone in recognising the essential role respiratory therapists (RTs) play in patient care, especially in the management of respiratory diseases.
Respiratory Care Week, celebrated annually during the third week of October, is an internationally recognised event dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of respiratory therapists and promoting awareness about respiratory health.
Established by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), the celebration aims to educate the public on the importance of lung health and to celebrate the professionals who support it.
Celebrating Respiratory Care Week not only honours the clinicians who work behind the scenes but also promotes prevention, early diagnosis and effective management of respiratory conditions.
Respiratory illnesses, ranging from asthma and pneumonia to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory failure, are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Africa, limited access to respiratory care and a growing burden of lung diseases make awareness and specialised care more critical than ever.
In Ghana, Respiratory therapy is a relatively new field, and even though trained professionals are limited, their role is becoming increasingly vital due to the rising burden of respiratory diseases and the demand for specialised care. Currently, a four-year degree programme at the
University of Ghana is the educational requirement for entry into the profession.
Respiratory Therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing, treating and caring for patients with breathing disorders.
Their work spans emergency rooms, intensive care units, neonatal care and rehabilitation centres.
RTs administer oxygen therapy and manage ventilators, perform diagnostic tests like spirometry, treat patients with chronic lung diseases, assist in the management of acute respiratory distress and educate patients on respiratory health and disease prevention.
In critical settings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, RTs have been frontline heroes, providing life-saving interventions and supporting multidisciplinary teams.
For the first time, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has officially joined in the celebration of Respiratory Care Week, a reflection of the hospital’s commitment to advancing specialised care in Ghana.
The week-long event, spearheaded by the Respiratory Therapist, included an official launch, educational seminars and training workshops for healthcare workers, and Awareness campaigns.
Looking ahead, as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital continues to expand its respiratory care services, the celebration of Respiratory Care Week is expected to become an annual tradition, one that strengthens community engagement, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and ultimately improves patient outcomes.
The writer is a member of the Paediatric Society of Ghana and the Director of Medical Affairs, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
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