Residents of Mafi Kope, a fishing community in Ghana's Oti Region, are calling for urgent medical intervention as several illnesses affecting children and adults persist in the area. The community members say the conditions have caused serious difficulties for affected families, with children reportedly suffering from sores, skin infections, and other symptoms that have affected their ability to walk.
The illnesses have also caused ear-related problems, including hearing difficulties, in some residents. Some affected children have been unable to attend school due to the severity of their condition, while adults, including men and women, have developed sores around their private parts.
Residents who have visited various health facilities have yet to receive a clear explanation of the cause of the illnesses. Moses Ahator, a resident, expressed concern about the situation, highlighting its impact on the community.
Veronica Vorsa, a parent of one of the affected children, appealed to the government and health professionals to visit the community, conduct comprehensive medical examinations, and provide appropriate treatment. The residents are calling for urgent screening, diagnosis, treatment, and public health education to determine the nature of the illnesses and prevent their possible spread.
The Nkwanta South Municipal Health Director, Evans Attivor, confirmed that cases of angular stomatitis, bilharzia, and other skin infections had been recorded in Mafi Kope. He explained that the municipal health directorate had visited the community in previous years to collect samples from affected residents, but the tests did not establish a definite cause linked to the reported conditions.
According to Evans Attivor, poor nutrition and other contributing factors have partly contributed to the increasing cases of angular stomatitis, blindness, bilharzia, and some skin infections in the area. He urged residents to consume balanced diets containing essential nutrients that support the body’s immune system and help protect against disease.
The residents, however, maintain that the situation requires immediate and sustained attention from health authorities, particularly because of its impact on children’s education, mobility, and overall well-being. They are urging the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to provide urgent medical intervention to address the situation.
Key points
- The illnesses have affected the community's children and adults, causing symptoms such as sores, skin infections, and hearing difficulties.
- The municipal health directorate has recorded cases of angular stomatitis, bilharzia, and other skin infections in Mafi Kope.
- Poor nutrition and other factors have been attributed to the increasing cases of illnesses in the area.
