A hidden health crisis is emerging in Mepe, one of the worst-hit areas due to the spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.
Some experts have attributed these dire events to the effects of climate change.
While the primary focus has been on providing relief and assistance to the affected communities, a silent crisis looms.
A Surge in Health Issues
As emergency shelters swell with displaced residents, the local health directorate in Mepe has raised alarm about an impending health crisis. Reports of fungal skin infections, diarrhea, and bilharzia are surfacing, particularly among children.
Nana Ama, a displaced resident and mother of three, shares her concerns, “All my kids have fallen ill since we got here. They’ve had some skin infections, and one of them even complained that his genital area itches.”
Akua Adika, another displaced resident, laments her discomfort, “My body has been itching since we got here, and I also have some body pains, so I have come to collect medicine from the doctors.”
The emergency shelters, despite their essential role in providing refuge, have become potential hotspots for the spread of diseases due to the large number of people in close proximity. Health professionals on the ground are worried about the rapid transmission of respiratory tract infections.
An Emergency Situation
Dr. Adu Ntiamoah, a volunteer at the Mepe basic school, provides treatment for the affected. He reveals, “The commonest things we have found during the health screening are skin eruptions. We’ve had children come in with fungal infections on their heads and skin. Residents have reported cases of scabies. Elderly individuals are reporting high blood pressure, with some claiming they’ve never been diagnosed with this before.”
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to health protocols, maintaining personal hygiene, and frequent handwashing, especially following the devastating flooding.
As the people of Mepe grapple with the aftermath of the flooding, a looming health crisis adds to the community’s woes. How this crisis unfolds in the coming days remains to be seen.