The Mass Drug Administration initiative for onchocerciasis in the municipality has begun this year, according to the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate in the Western Region.
The action would conclude on February 12, 2024, having begun on Monday, January 29.
Eight districts would be covered by the twelve-day drill, which is a component of the Ghana Health Service’s (GHS) 2030 disease eradication initiatives.
Ms. Wilhelmina Tiwaah Duah, the Municipal Director of Health Services, revealed that she was pregnant during a twelve-day press briefing at Tarkwa. Women, moms who had given birth within a week, those who were ill, and people who were shorter than 90 cm would all be excluded.
She said it was important that all community members received full treatment as directed by their trained volunteers to break the cycle of transmission and eliminate the disease.
“Please cooperate fully with the community drug distributors and report to the nearest health facility, if you experience any side effects after taking the medication,” Ms Duah appealed.
“We should accept the people into our homes and take the medication as prescribed, there are directions and guidelines on the number of pills that each person must take based on their height measurement.”
Ms Duah said river blindness could lead to painful itching, skin disorders, eye lesions and even permanent blindness if left untreated.
“Taking the drug during this campaign can prevent you and your loved ones from the severe consequences of river blindness. It can only take a small effort to gain lifelong protection,” she added.
She reassured the populace that there was no reason not to participate and protect their health because the treatment was completely free and safe.
She implored the locals to aid the volunteers wearing T-shirts with the GHS logo who went to their homes and administered the medication to help the community become river blind.
Source: GNA
