Wa West is a 'zoo' of diseases – District Health Director

The Wa West District Director of the Ghana Health Service has described the district as “a zoo of many diseases” such as Meningitis, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Yaws and many others.

According to Clifford Veng, as a rural district, most inhabitants of Wa West are predominantly farmers who are mostly exposed to snake bites and other health risks.

He made these comments in his welcome address at the District’s 2017 Annual Health review held at the District Hospital conference hall in Wechau.

He said the major challenge confronting the district is inadequate funding for service delivery which has compelled them to largely depend on the little Internal Generated Funds.

This he said is causing slow and irregular reimbursement by NHIA.

Mr. Veng has, therefore, urged his staff to be efficient and provide quality health service delivery as hard work, innovation, discipline and integrity would be their priority for improved service in the district so as to strengthen the health system this year and beyond.

He announced an increase in skilled delivery in the Upper West Region from 40.9% in 2016 to 48.7% in 2017 and said family planning coverage had also seen great improvement from 34.5% in 2016 to 42.8% in 2017.

He said this was achieved through the organization of durbars, floats and radio discussions.

The director also added that TB cases detection rate has over the years increased and this was achieved through vigorous screening of all cases at the OPD coupled with staff training that provoked case search during community programmes.

The District Chief Executive for the Wa West, Edward Laabiir Sabor also reiterated the assembly’s commitment to expanding the infrastructural base of the health sector to make it vibrant so as to improve quality service delivery. The DCE has also promised to furnish existing 5No. CHPS compounds as well as the children’s Ward under construction adding that they will soon handover a Semidetached Bungalow to accommodate doctors and health professionals posted to the district.

He urged the staff to continue their commitment to serving the people and hoping that the remaining challenges will be addressed soon.

The review themed, “Improving efficiency in governance and management of the health system; the role of the leadership of the district health service” brought together stakeholders in health service delivery in the district.