Volunteers trained on detection of Buruli ulcer

Dormaa Municipal Health Directorate with support from MAP, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has organised a one-day workshop to train 60 Community Disease Surveillance Volunteers on the early detection of Buruli ulcer in the area.

The disease was declared endemic in Dormaa in May this year, when 35 out of 49 suspected cases were confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Science Research Centre.

Consequently, community volunteers who were already performing similar functions in their communities were brought together and schooled on symptoms of the disease and the immediate steps to take upon detection.

The Deputy Municipal Director of Health, Nana Kwakye Siaw, noted that Buruli ulcer had the potential to cripple a victim permanently, thereby rendering him immobile and an object of ridicule and pity.

The only remedy available to victims is early detection for treatment, he said, noting that even though the disease was mostly found among those dwelling along water bodies, its actual cause had not yet been found.

The director therefore advised the people to be extra careful in dealing with filth, stressing the need for hand-washing and strict observance of basic rules governing sterilization of ground water before use.

The Municipal Disease Control Officer, Mr. Jones Anim, appealed to the volunteers to intensify surveillance in order to unearth all hidden infections for early treatment.

He commended the volunteers for supporting the health directorate in reaching out to people in remote areas of the municipality.

Mr. Anim tasked the volunteers to constantly interact with their communities and impress upon them to embrace cleanliness, eat balanced diet and regular exercises.

Source: GNA