Malaria, Commonest Disease In Drobo

Drobo (B/A), Sept 4, Malaria tops diseases reported at the St Mary's Hospital at Drobo in the Jaman District, according to the District Director of Health Services, Dr. Akuamoa Somuah. Dr. Somuah made this known at a day's refresher course organized for 40 chemical sellers from the district on the accelerated malaria control programme. He said the disease is the main cause of anaemia among children, adding that between January and July this year, about 40 per cent of children aged between one and five years admitted to the hospital were given blood transfusion. ''If all health care providers are properly trained to manage malaria correctly, this unfortunate situation would cease." He said malaria seemed to be out of control due to ''inadequate treatment, rampant abuse of chloroquine, under-dosage, misuse and unwanton prescription of anti-malaria drugs''. Dr. Somuah, therefore, called for the re-introduction of impregnated bed nets in all boarding institutions in the country. On behalf of the participants, Mr. Adjei Louis, the course prefect, praised Dr. Somuah for recognizing their role in the health delivery system and pledged their support and cooperation to the success of the programme.