Bilharzia Breaks Out In Volta Basin Post Akosombo Dam Spillage
The tropical disease, commonly known as bilharzia, is now a major issue affecting over 400 communities across five regions surrounding the Volta Basin, potentially leading to infertility and maternal morbidity.
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Mr. Ben Sackey, Director of the Environmental and Sustainable Development Department at the Volta River Authority (VRA), highlighted the emergence of schistosomiasis as a crucial challenge following the construction of the dam. He cited the inflow of river water carrying aquatic weeds hosting the schisto snail vector, which spread to previously unaffected communities.
Response and Mitigation Efforts
To address this growing concern, the VRA has launched a comprehensive study on the spread of the infection in collaboration with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). The efforts also include the provision of improved sanitary facilities and drinking water, in addition to mass drug administration across lakeside communities. Planned initiatives, such as the dredging of the lower Volta and partnerships with research institutions for the economic evaluation of aquatic weeds, aim to curb the spread of the disease and its vectors.
Impact and Call for Preventive Measures
Professor Emmanuel Morhe, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UHAS, highlighted the significant impact of FGS, noting its neglected status in sub-Saharan Africa and the profound health risks faced by women and girls in underdeveloped countries.
Related To This: Ghana Medical Association Mobilizes Doctors to Assist Flood Victims
Mr. Ben Sackey, Director of the Environmental and Sustainable Development Department at the Volta River Authority (VRA), highlighted the emergence of schistosomiasis as a crucial challenge following the construction of the dam. He cited the inflow of river water carrying aquatic weeds hosting the schisto snail vector, which spread to previously unaffected communities.
Response and Mitigation Efforts
To address this growing concern, the VRA has launched a comprehensive study on the spread of the infection in collaboration with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). The efforts also include the provision of improved sanitary facilities and drinking water, in addition to mass drug administration across lakeside communities. Planned initiatives, such as the dredging of the lower Volta and partnerships with research institutions for the economic evaluation of aquatic weeds, aim to curb the spread of the disease and its vectors.
Impact and Call for Preventive Measures
Professor Emmanuel Morhe, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UHAS, highlighted the significant impact of FGS, noting its neglected status in sub-Saharan Africa and the profound health risks faced by women and girls in underdeveloped countries.
Complications of the infection can lead to serious reproductive health issues, including infertility, preterm pregnancies, and underdeveloped babies. In light of the pressing concerns, the symposium emphasized disease prevention efforts, including the cessation of open defecation and urination to prevent the infestation of water bodies by the parasites.
Quest for Data and Community Engagement
Dr. Alfred Kwesi Manyeh, a senior research fellow at UHAS, shared data highlighting the high reliance by affected communities on the contaminated river, emphasizing the profound impact on health and living. As part of spreading awareness, a public rally through the streets of Ho and Hohoe was organized to increase community awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with a particular focus on Schistosomiasis.
Dr. Alfred Kwesi Manyeh, a senior research fellow at UHAS, shared data highlighting the high reliance by affected communities on the contaminated river, emphasizing the profound impact on health and living. As part of spreading awareness, a public rally through the streets of Ho and Hohoe was organized to increase community awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with a particular focus on Schistosomiasis.
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