UNICEF to assess Ghana’s readiness to be declared Guinea worm-free

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and some partners will soon be assessing Ghana’s preparedness to be declared a Guinea worm-free country.

Ghana, in July 2011, celebrated success in breaking the transmission of Guinea worm – a final step before it can claim it has eradicated the disease which is spread by drinking water contaminated with a tiny water flea that carries Guinea worm eggs.

“This month, UNICEF and partners will host a team assessing the country’s readiness to be declared Guinea worm-free,” said the Fund on its website December 28, 2011.

According to UNICEF, Ms Azaratu Zakaria, who is the last known person in Ghana to be infected with the parasite, has been treated but “three years must pass without any new cases before the disease is officially considered eradicated.”

Ghana in 2006, recorded 4,130 cases of Guinea worm – the second highest number of any country in the world, according to UNICEF.

By Ekow Quandzie