Audio By Carbonatix
The Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region remains one of the Buruli Ulcer- endemic areas in Ghana; despite efforts by health authorities to eradicate the disease.
With a monthly average of 50 new cases recorded in health facilities in the area, the district ranks third in the national infection rate.
Neighbouring Amansie West District, also in the Ashanti Region is second behind Ga West in Greater Accra.
Though the cause of the disease is unknown, health experts suspect the use of unwholesome water from polluted sources due to galamsey activities.
The World Health Organization ranks Ghana as the second highest among countries with buruli ulcer cases.
About one thousand and forty Ghanaians are living with the disease associated with marshy or water logged areas.
Osudoku, a farming community in the area has one of the highest buruli ulcer prevalence rates. Only one of 40 residents, mostly women, randomly tested last month was uninfected.
Increased galamsey activities have left River Oda, the only source of drinking water polluted and muddied, and inhabitants have little or no means of livelihood.
Some residents have resorted to fetching stagnant water from uncovered galamsey pits for domestic use, including bathing washing, bathing and even cooking.
The District Health Directorate has over the time been working on a plan to bring the disease under control through public education and early treatment of new cases.
Deputy Director, Akwasi Amponsah Opiah-Mensah, however, says current prevalence makes it more difficult to eradicate the disease from the district.
Meanwhile, Samsung Ghana, as part of corporate social responsibility initiative, is funding construction of a bore hole at a cost of 15 thousand dollars for the people of Osudoku, a buruli-ulcer endemic community in the Amansie Central District of AShnati region.
Marketing Manager for Consumer Electronics, Richard Nunekpeku says the gesture will save many lives with provision of portable water.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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