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Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Promoting peace through microbiology and sports

2 Department Medical Microbiology, Faculty of the Medical and Scientific Research Centre,University of Ghana, Accra, Greater Accra Region,
Ghana
3 Ghana Health Service, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
4 Health Tutors/Staffs, College of Health, Yamfo, Ahafo Region, Ghana
5 Disease Control Unit, Karaga Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Karaga, Northern Region, Ghana
6 Department of Medical Laboratory, Kintampo North Municipal Hospital, Kintampo, Bono East Region, Ghana
7 Department of Peadiatrics, Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana
8 Judicial Service of Ghana, Adansi Fomena District Court, Fomena, Ashanti Region, Ghana

1. Introduction connection between peace and health is well established,
there is limited literature on their relationship with
1.1. Background entrepreneurship. Although Pulle (2022) has established
The laws governing sporting activities, such as football the relationship among these three areas, the existing
matches, are normally modified as a disease prevention literature remains sparse.
strategy during disease outbreaks. In response to the Coaches employ different strategies to win matches for
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, football match rules were globally the clubs/teams that they manage (Ammann & Altmann,
changed to prevent the virus’s spread (Harangi-Rákos 2023; Díez et al., 2021; Ranchordas et al., 2017). The
et al., 2022; Peek et al., 2023). Most players were afraid personal abilities/roles of each player in accomplishing
of physical contact with their opponents. The arrival of tasks given by team managers determine their qualification
SARS-CoV-2 brought unprecedented stillness worldwide. for a particular jersey (Ammann & Altmann, 2023;
Using medical microbiological investigations, pathogens Díez et al., 2021). In disease prevention, different strategies,
have been identified in most pandemics (Haykin, 2022). known as the “One Health” approach, are also used
Once a disease’s causative agent is known, health experts (Ammann & Altmann, 2023; MacKenzie & Smith, 2020).
can easily find prevention strategies to prevent its spread, Sleep is essential for allowing key players to regain
as seen with COVID-19. Following the identification their vitality before facing a challenging team (Nédélec
of SARS-CoV-2, prevention protocols were quickly et al., 2015; Ranchordas et al., 2017). This principle also
published. When an outbreak is declared a pandemic, applies to military personnel, especially during wartime.
using COVID-19 as an example, it is normally based on the Sleep is crucial for maintaining mission success and
number of cases detected by medical laboratories per day preventing health-related problems, like insomnia (Good
or week. These figures, along with the number of reported et al., 2020). As described in various texts, individuals
cases, help determine how the outbreak spreads (Cucinotta are designed to work during the day and sleep at night
& Vanelli, 2020; Huremović, 2019). (Howard, 2021; Genesis 1:14-19). Therefore, sleeping for
Commonly used microbiological investigations for the required number of hours per day is a healthy behavior
detecting SARS-CoV-2 include rapid diagnostic tests (Ramar et al., 2021).
that utilize antibodies specific to its antigens, as well A team coach, when losing a match, can strategically
as molecular investigations such as polymerase chain adjust the team’s defense, midfield, or attack to change the
reaction (PCR) (Abdurrahman et al., 2022; González- course of the match (Ammann & Altmann, 2023; Díez
Vázquez & Arenas, 2023; Navero-Castillejos et al., 2022). et al., 2021). It is important for individuals to self-assess
Gene sequencing following PCR has enabled experts to their actions and make re-adjustments for improvement
trace the origin of SARS-CoV-2 (Holmes et al., 2021). After (Burrows, 2018; Fishleder et al., 2022; Taylor et al.,
detection, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, which 2020). During the peak of COVID-19, many individuals
influenced public behavior, including changes in sporting experienced sudden changes in their lives. From these real-
activities (Cucinotta & Vanelli, 2020; Huremović, 2019). life experiences, readers can learn how to quickly adapt to

There was more “fair play” in football matches (Kriz et changes in their lives.
al., 2022) when COVID-19 was at its peak; players were Despite various strategies, such as defenders bringing
more careful compared to non-pandemic seasons. This down opponents to gain scoring advantages, team
strategy, implemented by the International Federation members and their supporters often feel disheartened
of Association Football (FIFA) (Historyofsoccer.info, when they lose (Fifa.com, 2018). However, using the “One
2023), helped prevent the spread of the virus. While the Health” approach along with lessons from microbiology

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2902