Malaria remains a significant public health concern in the Prampram community, with the onset of the rainy season contributing to the prevalence of the disease, a Physician Assistant at the Prampram Polyclinic, Cephas Kofi Borklo, has disclosed.
He also indicated that gastroenteritis was also among the common conditions recorded at the facility, with challenges related to water supply and sanitation contributing to its prevalence.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by infections from contaminated food or water.
The condition can result in symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever.
Mr Borklo made the disclosure last weekend during the Prampram Homowo health walk and screening exercise organised by the Prampram Traditional Council in partnership with Asa Savings and Loans Limited as part of this year’s Homowo festival.
The exercise was aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving health-seeking behaviour and encouraging residents to adopt healthier practices.
The exercise provided residents with free health services, including blood pressure and blood glucose checks,
Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment, sickle cell screening, breast cancer screening, mental health and non-communicable disease screening and maternal and child health services.
Participants also received education on nutrition, hygiene, health-seeking behaviour and general health promotion. A blood donation exercise was also organised.
Prevalence
He said the coastal environment of Prampram, coupled with the rainy season, created conditions that contributed to the prevalence of malaria in the community.
On gastroenteritis, Mr Borklo attributed the cases partly to challenges with water supply, stressing the importance of proper hygiene and the safe handling of food and water.
He said the Prampram Polyclinic regularly conducted public health outreaches to educate residents on disease prevention, environmental cleanliness and safe food handling.
Mr Borklo said many residents depended on food prepared and sold outside their homes, making proper hygiene among food vendors and consumers important in preventing infections.
He urged residents who experienced symptoms of malaria to seek medical attention early rather than waiting until their conditions deteriorated.
Support
The Sustainability Manager of Asa Savings and Loans Limited, Richard Nartey, said the company supported the exercise because healthcare was one of its key areas of community support.
He said the company’s community-based business model encouraged it to support initiatives that directly addressed the needs of residents.
He explained that Asa Savings and Loans covered the cost of the exercise, including test kits, medicines and other materials required.
Mr Nartey urged residents to take advantage of the free services to know their health status, noting that early detection could help prevent health conditions from becoming severe.
He said the company was considering extending its community interventions beyond the Homowo festival, particularly in sanitation.
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