By Patience Tawiah
Nkwanta (O/R), Oct. 28, GNA- The Nkwanta South Municipal Health Directorate has treated 106 people in Mafi Kope following reports of a mysterious illness affecting both children and adults in the community.
The intervention, conducted, involved the treatment of 37 cases and 69 contacts, representing 34.9 percent and 65.1 percent, respectively, of the total number of people treated.
The exercise followed concerns over a strange illness, which was previously reported by the Ghana News Agency, to be affecting residents of the community.
As part of the intervention, health officials engaged community members and provided health education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, nutrition, and the importance of seeking early medical attention.
Residents were also advised to adopt healthy practices to reduce the risk of disease transmission, seek medical care at the nearest health facility, when symptoms persist or worsen, and comply with referrals for further assessment and treatment.
Mr Evans Ativor, the Municipal Health Director of Health Services, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said, observations made during the exercise highlighted several challenges that could affect the health and well-being of residents.
He said those included inadequate access to safe drinking water, poor road access, socioeconomic and nutritional challenges, and poor health-seeking behaviour.
Mr Ativor continued that the health team, however, reported cooperation from community members during the exercise.
The Health Director has also outlined plans to intensify community education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, safe water practices, disease prevention, early healthcare-seeking, and adherence to prescribed treatment and referrals
“We also planned to liaise with B-Zongo Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) to organise regular nutrition education and food demonstration sessions using locally available and affordable foods,” he added.
The recommendations from the exercise include the provision of potable water and improvements in road access to enhance healthcare delivery and access to essential services.
He said the intervention marks a follow-up to concerns raised over the illness in the community, with continued health education and improved access to basic amenities identified as important measures towards protecting residents’ health.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah