Prof Ajediran Idowu Bello is a former Head of Physiotherapy Department at UG

A health science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ajediran Idowu Bello, has called on the government to implement a national health surveillance blueprint to ensure regular screening and curb the menace of musculoskeletal disorders in the country.

He indicated that most people develop the ailment without noticing it earlier, hence regular physical screening will help to curtail the situation.

The former Head of the Department of Physiotherapy at UG also advised the health directorate to embark on public sensitisation in collaboration with the media to raise awareness about the symptoms.

Professor Idowu Bello made the remark during an inaugural lecture at UG on June 26, 2025, while speaking on the theme "Beyond Movement: Addressing Musculoskeletal Disorders as a Public Health Imperative."

"Not working because of the disorder puts individuals at high risk of exposure to musculoskeletal disorders. My proposal towards these strategies includes developing national health surveillance blueprints that can be implemented through a legal framework mandating routine physical health screening at entry points across all sectors.

"Secondly, enhancing data collection and monitoring systems through the use of mobile health apps, wearables, devices, and electronic health records for real-time data tracking," he said.

He further suggested fostering cross-sectoral collaboration among workplaces, schools, and community organizations to expand health monitoring efforts.

"Community engagement and awareness campaigns utilising media such as television, radio, and social media can promote health through health promotion initiatives to encourage participation in health screening," he added.

The physiotherapy lecturer also called for investment in research to uncover related diseases and deal with them accordingly.

"The last point is that in Africa, participatory research among rehabilitation professionals remains low, and a lack of collaboration between academics and practitioners is a major obstacle.

"The following action strategies are suggested to remove the stumbling blocks against research agendas towards alleviating musculoskeletal disorders," he noted.

Watch the lecture below

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