By Samuel Akumatey
Battor (V/R), Oct. 24, GNA – Health Authorities managing the flooding in the North Tongu District have reported a zero incidence of cholera three weeks into the environmental disaster.
An estimated 35,000 have been affected in eight districts within the Lower Volta region, and health authorities are in a race against time to prevent the rise of diseases.
Michael Kofi Zigah, District Director of Health Services at North Tongu, was briefing the Director General of the Ghana Health Service at the National Emergency Operations Centre for the flood relief efforts during a visit on Monday.
He said there was no cholera among the top ten cases recorded in the hard-hit district.
Mr. Zigah added that among prevalent cases were skin diseases, and some muscle complications which were all being taken care of.
The District Health Director said there were two suspected cases of tuberculosis that returned negative, and some schizo cases, but noted were not new to the area.
He said an isolation centre had been prepared at the Battor Hospital to help manage “any case referred”.
Mr. Zigah commended stakeholders including the Volta River Authority (VRA) for the efforts to ensure ample supply of medications.
Mr. Zigah said facilities in the district not affected by the flood were being configured to manage cases, and that a total of ten medical doctors and several clinical nurses working round the clock kept the broken district safe.
He therefore commended the Heath Service for its support.
He said extensive risk communication formed part of the public health intervention for the areas and was being undertaken in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education.
“We are moving from community to community to sensitise the people on communicable diseases and other risk factors,” the director noted.
Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service commended the team for the security against high-risk diseases, and said the Service was providing 5,000 mosquito nets to help prevent vector-borne diseases in the flood contaminated districts.
The Director General said the risk of invasion by dangerous animals was being considered, and that adequate stock of anti-snake venom was being made available among other medical supplies.
The Service is supplying large quantities of disinfectants, washing soaps, sanitisers, and water purification materials.
Dr Kuma-Aboagye said strict waste management was being employed in all safe havens within affected communities.
He said: “We are hoping that the early response would reverse anticipated health risks.”
The Zoomlion has announced plans to provide free disinfection and vector control services, and is among organisations providing mosquito nets, packaged water, and other essentials for the affected.
Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Director of Health, in-charge of Public Health in an engagement said the increase in interventions are keeping the situation down and thanked partners for their constant response.
He disclosed about 100 health professionals are displaced resulting from the spilling of the Akosombo Dam but are supporting in the extending healthcare to the displaced people.
GNA