Avetakpo (V/R), April. 10, GNA – An outbreak of a communicable skin disease has hit several residents of Avetakpo, a farming community in the Ho West district.
The disease, which has spread to neighboring communities, has affected over 46 residents, leaving both children and adults to experience sleep deprivation, acute and prolonged bodily pains.
Togbe Kwasi Amedor III of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume has expressed deep concern over the outbreak, citing the community’s inability to access medical treatment due to lack of funds.
Mama Aku Seme II, the Queenmother of the area, engaged officials of the Ho West District Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), who mentioned that a required budget of GH₵ 6,642.50 would be needed to combat the disease.
“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵ 6,642.50 estimated budget,” Togbe Amedor stated.
The chief called for immediate government intervention to support the community with funds for mass medical treatment and stringent measures to prevent further infections.
The Ghana News Agency has observed that the community’s situation is further complicated by inadequate access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing water sources with cattle and animals, potentially contributing to the outbreak.
Additionally, health officials have not provided the actual name of the disease or its source, leaving the community uncertain.
Some victims urged immediate government support to address the outbreak as the situation becomes increasingly serious.
The GNA also observed that a comprehensive response is needed, including emergency funding to support mass medical treatment and disease investigation to determine the source and nature of the disease.
There is also the urgent need of water and sanitation interventions to improve access to clean drinking water to prevent further outbreaks.
Mr Courage Dogbe, Health Promotion Officer of the GHS, said the number of infections was exaggerated mostly because of poor hygiene.
He said the infection is fungal in nature and GHS are on top of the situation.
GNA
MA/CA