More deaths recorded in Brong Ahafo

Sunyani, Jan 03, GNA - Many people have died at the Regional Hospital in Sunyani over the last two years and HIV/AIDS is recorded as the major killer.

Dr James Boakye Fodjour, a gynaecologist, told Ghana News Agency the hospital recorded 640 deaths last year as against 521 deaths in 2003.

"HIV/AIDS caused 78 deaths last year as against 46 the previous year whilst hypertension was the least cause with 14 deaths", he said. Dr Fodjour said anaemia, hepatitis, malaria, and shock, renal failure, meningitis and septicaemia were the top 10 commonest causes of mortality at the hospital and were responsible for 342 deaths. "Other general diseases like accidents and burns, gynaecological disorder, abortion, prostrate cancer and typhoid perforation caused 298 deaths", he added.

Dr Fodjour said the number of deaths through the various diseases was "very threatening" and advised the public to change their eating habits as well as life styles.

''Most of the deaths can be avoided, some diseases are preventable and there are now better-equipped health institutions, with good doctors and nurses, in the region".

He appealed to the public to report at the hospitals early for treatment and to desist from staying at home till their conditions got worse before doing so.