President Expresses Surprise At Guinea Worm Infections.

(From Public Agenda (Ghana) - AAGM)

Byline: Isabella Gyau Orhin

President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed surprise at the increasing rate of Guinea worm infections in the country, particularly in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

Speaking at the annual People's Assembly programme held in Sunyani on Tuesday, President Kufuor said it is disturbing that in spite of the strides made in the provision of potable water to the people in the region, the disease is still on the ascendancy.

"Government is surprised to learn about the increase in guinea worm infection," the President said adding, "potable water delivery has increased from 19 percent to 51 percent and this should have rather reduced it."

The President said perhaps the past data must be reviewed to check the genuineness of the figures today.

In Ghana, Guinea worm is endemic in the northern regions and the Brong-Ahafo region.

Guinea worm occurs when victims drink water contaminated by the worm's larvae. The larvae then grows in the small intestine and, over a period of about one year, the females break into the intestine and move around the body, growing up to between one to three metres in length. When the worm reaches maturity, it seeks a way out resulting in a …