Snakes threatens flood-hit areas

Yagaba (U/E), Nov. 12, GNA - Two victims have so far lost their lives whiles 28 have received medical treatment from snakebites at Yagaba and surrounding communities in the West Mamprusi District, following the recent floods in the northern part of the country. The incidence is being compounded by the absence of an ambulance and the long distance in conveying the victims for early medical treatment in nearby health centres.

Mr. Zuah Zakaria, the nurse in-charge of the Yagaba Health Centre told newsmen on a visit to the centre that the only option at its disposal was to use a motorbike as an ambulance to dispatch serious cases to Sandema Health Centre, which was 60 kilometres away. The visit was organized by the UNICEF to check on the situation and well-being of children in the communities in the wake of the floods which had a devastating effect on the communities. He said the floods had forced the reptiles out of their hideouts into the homes and farms.

He said there have also been increases in malaria and upper respiratory infections such as pneumonia since the floods occurred. According to Mr Zakaria the centre, which had no beds, had only two nurses employed under the National Youth Employment Programme. Mr Zakaria said as a trained nurse, he had to volunteer to work at the centre to assist his community but his sacrifice had not been enough to meet the health needs of the Yagaba community with a population of over 4000.

He therefore called on government to urgently provide the centre with medical equipment and other logistics to serve the needs of the communities.