Increase in malaria cases in Kwahu South District

A total of 45,535 Malaria cases were recorded in the various Health Centres in the Kwahu South District last year as against 35,247 cases recorded in 2009, an increase of 32 percent.

The District Health Directorate also recorded 187 HIV and AIDS cases last year as against of 178 recorded in 2009.

The figure represents an increase of 5.4 percent while 3,004 deliveries were recorded last year as against 2,805 in 20009, an increase of 86 percent.

There were six maternal deaths last year as against two in 2009.

The District Director of Health Services, Dr Eric Odei, said this at the District Health Directors Annual Performance Review Meeting at Mpraeso on Tuesday.

He said 38 tuberculosis cases were recorded in the district last year as against 20 in 2009.

Dr Odei said there was a reduction in the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) for the Childhood Killer Diseases from 114.6 percent in 2009 to 88 percent last year.

He attributed the reduction to inadequate funds for surveillance, vehicle for monitoring and proper supervision and frequent break down of refrigerators being used to store vaccines.

Dr Odei said to reduce maternal death and still births, there should be the implementation of effective intervention such as increase immunization coverage, improved clinical care in all health facilities, strengthening disease surveillance, accelerate implementation of Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) in the district and educational campaign on malaria, tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS control in the district.

Source: GNA