The Brong-Ahafo Deputy Regional Director of Public Health, Dr Emmanuel Kojo Tinkorang, has cautioned the general public against the use of herbal drugs that have not been approved by the Ghana Food and Drugs Board. Addressing about 32 health workers drawn from the Nkoranza South District at a capacity building seminar on Buruli ulcer control and management at Nkoranza, Dr Tinkorang noted that some herbal drugs contained high toxic elements that posed a serious threat to human health. The seminar was organized by the Medical Assistance Programme (MAP) International, a United States non-governmental organization and the District Directorate of Health Services. It was aimed at keeping participants informed about the Buruli ulcer situation and detection in the district. Dr Tinkorang expressed concern about how unapproved herbal drugs have found their way onto the market, adding, recent studies show that people develop kidney problems after using herbal drugs that have not passed through the required examination. "The worst of the drugs are concoctions prepared with hard drinks and alcohol", he added and advised the general public to be wary of quack doctors and herbalists whose activities could put their lives in danger. Dr Tinkorang disclosed there is an outbreak of leprosy in some parts of Atebubu/Amantin district and advised neighbouring districts to be on the lookout and report any suspected skin diseases to health facilities for immediate attention. Mr Charles Gyamfi, Nkoranza South Buruli ulcer coordinator, announced that about 38 cases of the disease were recorded from 2006-2009 after the first case was detected in 2004. He noted that the disease is gaining prominence in the communities as 19 cases have been recorded from January to September this year. Mr Gyamfi mentioned Kwafre, Makyinmabre, Nsugum, Asuoso, Bredi Number 0ne, Donoase, Nyinase, Ntanaaso, Baanofour, Pruso and Krutu as some of the endemic areas of the disease. He commended MAP International for its financial and logistical support towards the management and control of the disease in the district. Mr Gyamfi warned traditional herbalists and pastors against keeping patients of the disease at homes and prayer camps to help curb its spread. Mr Samuel Kwadwo Benefour, Nkoranza District Manager of the NGO said the American Leprosy Missionary (ALM) offered the funds towards the control and management of Buruli ulcer in the district. He said the NGO has provided a lap top computer and screen cinema disc projector valued at GHC 3,000 for the district so that cases of the disease could be documented for necessary studies. Mr Richard Kwasi Hinneh, Nkoranza South District Director of Health Services, advised field technicians, disease control officers and community based surveillance volunteers to visit schools and report skin diseases for immediate attention. Source: GNA