TOPP clinic takes measures to combat Onchocerciasis

Twifo-Ntafrewaso (C/R), June 14, GNA-Onchocerciasis, which was prevalent in the Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira district about three years ago but was combated through the vigilance of health personnel at the Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP) clinic, re-surfaced last year. The prevalence rate of the disease that causes river blindness during the period was 40 per cent.

Dr Cyril Krah, Medical Director of the clinic, disclosed this on Tuesday, when Nana Ato Arthur, Deputy Central Regional Minister accompanied by some media practitioners and officials of TOPP toured the clinic, plantation, factory and school as part of TOPP's 'open day for media personnel.

He said last year, 20 per cent of the people screened had the disease therefore, management of the clinic instituted measures including distribution of anti-Onchocerciasis drugs and educational campaigns in the communities to reduce its spread.

Dr Krah said in addition, 23,894 patients with various diseases including malaria were treated, while 14 out of 240 people screened tested positive for HIV/AIDS, at the clinic last year. He said, the clinic cared for an average of 95 patients daily and was optimistic that the facility would be expanded to enable it cater for more patients.

Nana Arthur and Mr Neneyo Mate-Kole, Managing Director of TOPP, jointly inaugurated a 100 million cedis computer library for TOPP Junior Secondary School.

Mr Mate-Kole said the school established in 1989 for the children of employees had enrolled 45 per cent of children from surrounding communities and consistently recorded 100 per cent passes in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). He urged the students to make good use of the computers to enhance their knowledge.

Nana Arthur asked the students to take their studies seriously and refrain from participating in social functions such as funerals. Mr Emmanuel Ahiable, Estate Officer of TOPP, said the company's plantation covered 4,234 hectares, and demarcated into blocks of between 35 to 40 hectares to make management easier. He said a harvesting cycle chart had also been drawn up to ensure that palm fruits were harvested within stipulated periods.