PHU seeks public support to eradicate communicable diseases –Dr Karikari

The Western Regional office of the Public Health Unit (PHU) on Monday called on Ghanaians to support its nationwide programme eradicate communicable diseases from the system.

Dr Kwaku Karikari, Deputy Western Regional Director in charge of PHU of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), said the Unit and some Donor Countries and Agencies are making the effort to eradicate diseases through various ways.

It is therefore the onerous duty on individuals and the Metropolitan, Municipal Assemblies (MMDA) to support the PHU achieve Ghana’s target at meeting the Millennium Development Goal 4 in health.

He said while the MMDAs must utilize the percentage for funds allocated to them judiciously to control malaria, individuals should also do their best to supplement the efforts on their own by leading hygienic lives towards themselves and the environment.

Dr Karikari was briefing reporters in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis on Immunization, introduction of new Vaccines and Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filarisis at Sekondi.

He said the Public Health Unit, in its determination to achieve the target of the MDG4 has introduced two new vaccines to the existing ones.

He announced that the new vaccines, Pneumococcal and Rotavirus (Rotarix) would be launched in April and introduced nationwide in May 2012, while mass drug administration for Lymphatic Filarisis would also start.

While Pneumococcal contributes to reducing pneumonias and meningitis should be taken in 6, 10, 14 weeks intervals on the right thigh, Rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix) also contributes to reducing diarrhea in children both under five years is scheduled for 6 and 10 weeks.

According to the Public Health Director, most of the communicable diseases like measles, elephantiasis among others are contracted through infections, which require leading responsible lives to prevent its contamination.

He noted that the severity of the diseases has reduced drastically in the Western Region, attributing this to effective Public Health education, and called on the public to adhere strictly to the expert counsel.

The education is conducted through house-to-house, fixed points like health centres, mobile service and Camp-outs.

Concerning elephantiasis, Dr Karikari said it is prevalent in the Ahanta West District but the disease has been brought under control mainly through education that has encouraged victims to report early at the hospitals.**