Malaria and maternal deaths still high in Kumasi

The Kumasi Metropolitan Health Directorate saw increased cases of the malaria disease and maternal deaths during the first-half of the year, presenting a huge worry to the health authorities.

The Out-Patients Department recorded 172,538 cases of malaria compared with the previous year’s same-period figure of 155,734.

Maternal deaths totaled 73, eight more than what were seen in the first six months of year 2012.

Dr Akwasi Yeboah-Awudze, the Metropolitan Health Director, said they are not comfortable with the situation and are doing everything to bring these down.

Addressing a mid-year performance review meeting in Kumasi on Friday, he said they have stepped up malaria-control programmes in the metropolis including promoting the use of insecticide treated nets.

Dr Yeboah-Awudze said still births were, however, down to 356 cases from 725.

Reported cases of tuberculosis infection stood at 430 with zero-cases of cholera, guinea worm and Buruli ulcer.

The Metro Health Director spoke of planned school health outreach programmes to help pupils and students maintain good personal hygiene and deepen their understanding of reproductive health.

This, he said, has become necessary because of the growing number of school children getting pregnant and personal hygiene-related diseases.