Ghana makes gains in guineaworm reduction
By Awudu Salami Sule, Ghanadot

Accra, July 29, Ghanadot - The Ghana Health Service has reported a drastic reduction in guinea worm cases in the country over the past three years.

The National Programme Manager for Guineaworm Reduction, Andrew Seidu Korkor disclosed this at a mid-year review on the disease in Tamale.

The reduction was attributed to the supply of potable water and the conscientisation of the people on the dangers of the disease and need to prevent it.

According to the Ghana Guineaworm Eradication Programme, Guineaworm cases reduced from 3,368 in 2007 to only 501 in December 2008, representing 85 per cent reduction. Reported cases of the disease have further reduced from 501 to 229 between January and June this year.

Report further revealed that ninety-five per cent of this figure comes from the Northern Region alone with 52 per cent from the Savelugu/Nantong District.

Health Minister George Sipa Yankey said the government has earmarked GH¢500,000 for combatting the disease and explained that GH¢300,000 of that money had already been released.

Ghanadot