Malaria remains top health problem in Sekyere West

Mampong (Ash), Feb. 9, GNA- Malaria has consistently remained number one on the list of ten top diseases recorded at health facilities in Sekyere West District of Ashanti.

In 2003, the District recorded 24,623 cases of uncomplicated malaria, while 28,610 cases and 31,585 cases were recorded for 2004 and 2005 respectively.

The Acting District Director of Health Services, Mrs Rebecca Dokurugu, on Wednesday said these when she presented the annual health report of the area at a review meeting for 2005 at Mampong. She said pregnancy-related complications came second after malaria with 3,207 eases registered in 2005 and seven deaths resulting from such complications.

Mrs Dokurugu expressed regretted that most of the 10 top illnesses that people reported at health facilities could easily be prevented through simple hygienic practices and charged public health professionals to step up education and sensitization on disease preventive measures.

She announced that the District Health Management Team would this year pay more attention to safe motherhood activities to reduce the maternal health problems.

Mrs Dokurugu appealed to the District Assembly and the Ghana Health Service to provide funds for the maintenance of health facilities and provision of residential accommodation for health workers in the area. The District Chief Executive for Sekyere West, Mr Huruna Oppong-Boateng, said the Assembly has set aside 40 million cedis for the training of para-medical staff and nurses and the national immunization programme

He pledged that the Assembly would continue to work to provide health facilities, especially to the deprived communities. Mr Oppong-Boateng commended health workers in the area for their contribution to the development of health in the area.