Snake bites have dominated cases reported at makeshift health centers serving victims of flooded communities following the spillage of water from Akosombo and Kpong dams.
The Director-General of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye after visiting some affected areas told 3news that the situation is under control. He noted however, that there is the need for systems strengthening.
Dr. Kuma Aboagye said there is no outbreak of any disease yet, but they are planning against cholera and diarrhea-related diseases and malaria.
The spillage of water from the two dams has raised concerns about possible outbreak of diseases in the affected communities because the residents have come into contact with contaminated water. According to health authorities, there is need for additional deployment of logistics in the area.
‘‘More logistics will be needed. We have been bringing them mosquito nets and Aqua taps for clean water. We have created makeshift structures and I am just coming from Mepe. Even though they are all well, but there is an urgent call for medical screening for them. I believe the systems are working and we will continue to strengthen it until the whole situation is brought under control.
For now, we have not seen anything significant apart from snake bites at a few centres. Some of the places, its quite difficult to hang nets but the regions are coming up with innovative ways to hang the nets so that we can prevent malaria infection transmission. Ramification goes beyond the physical we see. Even mental stress having to sleep on verandas,’’ he noted.
He emphasized that despite the lesser impact on other areas compared to the Volta Region, all affected persons would be attended to.
‘’But 3 districts in Eastern and Greater Accra, the water has not affected directly most part of the community but we are disinfecting the areas to ensure they are safe. We advise they stay away from the water and if they continue like that, we won’t have the catastrophe projected. We need those who can support to come and support the communities’’ he said.
So far, over 26,000 people have been displaced in parts of the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions.
Sarah Apenkroh editors.3news.com
