Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify common pathogenic diseases like Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and TB.
• Explain the causes and symptoms of these diseases.
• Discuss effective prevention methods for each disease.
• Recognize and challenge common myths and misconceptions.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on understanding the common diseases that affect us, our families, and our communities here in Ghana. Our health is our most valuable asset ("apɔmuden yɛ ahonyade"). When we understand how diseases are caused, how they show up in our bodies, and how to prevent them, we empower ourselves to live healthier lives. We can protect ourselves, advise our families, and contribute to a healthier community by dispelling common myths and taking practical, scientific steps to prevent illness. We will focus on diseases caused by tiny living things called pathogens.

Lesson notes

A. Foundational Definitions

Before we discuss specific diseases, let's understand some key terms. Pathogen: A pathogen is any microorganism (a tiny living thing) that can cause disease. Think of them as disease-causing germs. Major types of pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. *Example:* The bacterium *Vibrio cholerae* is the pathogen that causes cholera. Disease: A condition that impairs the normal functioning of the body. When a pathogen successfully invades the body and multiplies, it can lead to an infectious or pathogenic disease. Vector: A living organism that transmits a pathogen from an infected person or animal to another. A vector does not cause the disease itself but carries the pathogen. *Example:* The female Anopheles mosquito is a vector for malaria. It carries the *Plasmodium* parasite. Symptoms: The signs and feelings a person experiences that indicate they are sick. Fever, headache, and weakness are common symptoms of many diseases. Prevention: Actions taken to stop a disease from occurring or spreading. B. Specific Pathogenic Diseases in Ghana

Let's examine two major diseases prevalent in our communities: Malaria and Cholera. DISEASE 1: MALARIA

Malaria is one of the most common and serious diseases in Ghana. Almost everyone knows someone who has had it. Causative Agent (Pathogen): Malaria is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite called Plasmodium. There are several species, but *Plasmodium falciparum* is the most common and dangerous one in Ghana. Mode of Transmission (How it Spreads): An infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person with malaria, sucking up their blood which contains the *Plasmodium* parasites. The parasites develop and multiply inside the mosquito. The same mosquito then bites a healthy person. It injects the *Plasmodium* parasites into the healthy person's bloodstream through its saliva. The parasites travel to the liver, multiply, and then invade red blood cells, causing the person to fall sick. Key Point: Malaria is NOT contagious from person to person through coughing, touching, or sharing food. It is a vector-borne disease. Common Symptoms: High fever, often in cycles (feeling very cold and shivery, then very hot and sweaty). Severe headache. Muscle and joint pains. Bitter taste in the mouth (loss of appetite). Nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhoea. General feeling of weakness and fatigue (tiredness). In severe cases (especially in children), it can lead to convulsions, anaemia, and death. Prevention and Control: Vector Control: Sleep under a Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) every night. Environmental Management: Clear bushes around the house, desilt choked gutters, and dispose of empty containers (like tins, tyres, and broken pots) that can collect water. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Personal Protection: Use mosquito repellent creams or sprays, especially in the evenings. Wear long-sleeved clothing at night. Medical: For pregnant women and children in high-risk areas, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) is sometimes recommended by health professionals. Promptly seek medical attention at a clinic or hospital for testing and treatment if you suspect you have malaria. Myth vs. Fact: Myth: "You get malaria from eating too many oily foods or sweet fruits like mangoes during the rainy season." Fact: This is incorrect. Food does not cause malaria. Malaria is ONLY caused by the *Plasmodium* parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The rainy season is when mosquitoes breed more, which is why malaria cases increase, not because of the fruit we eat. DISEASE 2: CHOLERA

Evaluation guide

• Examine specific pathogenic diseases within the community and describe their
• causes, symptoms and prevention .
• Problem -based Learning: Assign learners in groups or individually to identify a pathogenic
• disease in the community, describe it and explain how it can be prevented. Encourage learners