By Nii Larte Lartey
Funerals are a big part of the Ghanaian culture. They hold deep cultural and at times spiritual significance for families and while it marks a transition from life to the other world, the belief is that, the dead must be laid to rest with respect and dignity.
But, a trend is emerging in Ghanaian funerals. This ugly head is the excessive handling, public parading and display of corpses which has little to no cultural or mourning justification.
It is now not uncommon to see dead bodies, as they lie in state positioned to mimic the profession or hobby of the deceased with mourners directly handling the loved one in ways that leave anyone to wonder.
While these acts may be interpreted by some as expressions of love or homage, they frequently fall outside the boundaries of accepted practices. Even if culturally important, it poses serious public health risks.
Respecting the dead and protecting the living are not mutually exclusive. Back in 2005, the UN Commission on Human Rights called attention to the importance of treating human remains with dignity. The resolution underscored the need for safe handling, respectful disposal and compassion for the families left behind.
It stressed that handling the dead is not just a matter of human rights but a public health necessity. Which is why this article is a good place to start.
In Ghana, the health risks surrounding corpse management is a pressing yet often overlooked issue. Improper handling of corpses presents several risks, especially where Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures are not rigorously followed.
Without appropriate intervention from appropriate authorities, it has a high potential for localised disease outbreaks and increased mortality among vulnerable population as well as the erosion of public trust in the already overwhelming health system.
Individuals who come into unprotected contact with dead bodies may unknowingly expose themselves and others to life-threatening infections either through dermal contact, inhalation or ingestion.
During the early stages of decomposition, bodies can still harbour dangerous pathogens — including those that cause hepatitis, tuberculosis, cholera among other infectious diseases.
While formalin is widely used locally for embalming, its main ingredient – formaldehyde, is a known carcinogen [cancer-causing agent]. The prolonged exposure of this without proper protective gear can lead to respiratory problems, dermal [skin] irritation and ocular [eye] complications.
As bodies break down, they also emit gases and fluids that attract insects and scavengers which are potential carriers of disease. These vectors can transport pathogens from corpses into homes and public spaces, contaminate the nearby environment, soil and water sources facilitating disease spread and posing a broader threat to public health.
To reverse the impact of this growing craze on environmental and human health, indigenes should seriously be talked to in ways that matter.
Local authorities – especially Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must step up and bring these unsafe practices to an end. They must enforce section 50 of the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) as well the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29). These laws provide clear legal grounds on the hinderance of the disposal of dead bodies to avert a public health breakdown.
Going forward, health authorities must develop clear and practical protocols for funeral management within their catchment zones. The guidelines must be actionable, culturally-aware and must cover everything from how to view bodies safely to how to transport them without putting communities at risk.
Obviously, public education campaigns through community, religious, traditional and opinion leaders is one of the big steps to the socio-behavioural change communication. These leaders can help reframe the public understanding of the dangers associated with mishandling the dead.
Ghanaians must rethink how they treat the dead these days. This craze is not any way a cultural shift or societal norm but a looming public health concern. One that stares at us and the gaps in compliance and regulation would only make us worse off and contribute to a growing public health burden.