For decades, methylated spirit has been a staple in Ghanaian homes; kept in medicine cabinets, maternity bags and hospital wards, trusted by generations of mothers as the go-to solution for cleaning a newborn’s umbilical cord.
Even today, that trust remains strong.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the School of Public Health, KNUST in the Ashanti Region shows that almost every caregiver surveyed relied on methylated spirit for cord care, even though health authorities recommend chlorhexidine, a medicine proven to better protect newborns from dangerous infections.
The research, published in BMC Pediatrics, involved over 450 caregivers at the two different hospitals in Kumasi, offering insight into how newborn care is actually practised after delivery.
Although Ghana has adopted chlorhexidine as part of its newborn care policy in line with guidance from the World Health Organization and the Ghana Health Service, only a small handful of caregivers said they used it.
Most continued with methylated spirit, a product that is cheaper, familiar, and easier to find.
Encouragingly, the study found that only a small number of babies developed cord-related problems. Infections, bleeding and other complications were rare.
The researchers again, found no significant difference in outcome in both the chlorhexidine and methylated spirit users contrary to the findings in other studies. This could be as a result of the small sample size. Thus, the recommendation that future research should have a larger sample size or be a randomized control trial.
The health experts say this generally positive outcome may be linked to strong contact with health professionals. Nearly all caregivers had attended antenatal clinics, and most said they followed instructions given by nurses or midwives.
The study also highlighted that basic hygiene matters just as much as the product used. Babies were less likely to develop infections when caregivers washed their hands before cleaning the cord.
By contrast, problems were more common when caregivers relied on advice from friends, relatives or other non-health sources, showing how informal guidance can sometimes carry risks.
Why Chlorhexidine Remains Underused
The researchers led by Dr. Gloria Amponsah-Kodua say the low use of chlorhexidine may not be about resistance, but access and continuity. While mothers may hear about it during pregnancy, it is not always available after delivery, pushing caregivers back to what they know and trust.
Closing the gap between policy and practice, the researchers, recommend clearer messaging during antenatal care, consistent availability of chlorhexidine at delivery points, and continued education that respects long-held practices while promoting safer alternatives.
For now, the study tells a familiar Ghanaian story: when modern health advice meets tradition, change takes time and trust matters just as much as policy.
