Malaria tops 10 causes of deaths at the Akyem Oda Government Hospital with 69 deaths recorded last year representing 18.8 percent, Dr Yaw Otchere, the Akyem Oda District Director of Health Services, has said. He mentioned the other causes of deaths as cardio vascular accident leading to strokes, hypertension, diarrhoea diseases, septicaemia, anaemia, pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, HIV/AIDS, and meningitis in that order. DR Otchere said ownership and the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) in the district last year were estimated at over 50 percent as compared to 34 percent in 2005. He said 18,600 pieces of ITN were distributed free of charge to all children below three years of age last year. On Iodine deficiency control in the area, Dr Otchere said 75 percent of household consumption was achieved last year as against 60 percent in the preceding year. He said no CSM, yellow fever and measles cases were recorded last year but 86 cholera cases were recorded as against 12 cases in 2005. Dr Otchere mentioned measures being taken to reduce TB defaulter rate as re-packing of anti TB drugs, quarterly monitoring visits to all DOTS points and homes of TB patients, monthly review of all TB registers and distribution of enablers package. Source: GNA