Health personnel sensitized on
treatment of leprosy and buruli ulcer
Kumasi, May 2, GNA- Dr Amankrah Otabir, National Co-ordinator
in-charge of Leprosy Control, on Monday announced that
Ghana recorded 505 cases of leprosy in 2005 as compared
to 637 cases in 2006.
He said this should remind health workers that they
needed to work harder to minimize the spread of the
disease.
Dr Otabir was speaking at a day's workshop on leprosy
and buruli ulcer workshop, organized by the Kumasi
Metropolitan Directorate of Health Services for about 70
health personnel and aimed at updating their skills and
knowledge on treatment and control of the diseases, in
Kumasi.
He reminded the public that leprosy was curable and
advised those suffering from the disease to report to
the hospital or health centre for treatment.
Mr. Edward Kwabena Brobbey, Ashanti Regional Officer
in-charge of Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control, said the
region recorded 84 cases of leprosy in 2006 and that the
disease was endemic in the Amansie West, Amansie East,
Atwima-Nwabiagya and Atwima-Mponua districts.
He said the disease could cause bodily deformities and
urged people who would detect any such defects to report
early to the hospital for treatment and that the disease
at the nodule stage could be treated through surgery.
Mr. Brobbey appealed to the Government to provide
adequate funds for the treatment of leprosy and buruli
ulcer.
Dr Joseph Oduro, Kumasi Metropolitan Director of Health
Services, urged the participants to impart the knowledge
and skills acquired at the workshop to their colleagues
to help improve health delivery.
GNA
