Grace Quarm, a registered nurse at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has cautioned against using palm oil as a first aid measure to expel poisonous substances from the body. . Instead, she strongly advises people to seek prompt medical intervention in such situations.

While some Ghanaians believe that palm oil can neutralize the harm of such poisons, the nurse warned that it can actually worsen the condition.

Speaking on Adom TV on July 27, 2024, she explained that if children take palm oil and vomit after ingesting such substances, it can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to breathing challenges.

"I will advise the public to desist from giving palm oil to children who may have accidentally taken in poisonous substances. We’ve had some cases at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where after a baby took in palm oil and vomited, breathing was a challenge. It is always best to seek prompt medical intervention," she explained.

Touching on the practice of force-feeding babies and toddlers, which also is common in many African countries, including Ghana, Grace Quarm emphasized proper feeding techniques to prevent choking hazards.

"I will urge mothers, particularly grandmothers, not to force feed babies and toddlers. This habit of force feeding should be stopped to make the feeding time happy and healthy. Secondly, I also want to add that mothers should not also put babies to sleep after feeding, they can vomit and can choke on it. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before you put the baby down. It is better they lie on their sides instead of laying on their backs, that can induce vomiting," she added.

JKB/AE

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