The Epinhood (TEH)

UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESS – GHANA: (VOLTA) SKIN DISEASE, REQUEST FOR

INFORMATION
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A ProMED-mail post
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: Sat 5 Apr 2025
Source: Graphic Online [edited] https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/skin-disease-outbreak-leaves-mepe-avetakpo-residents-in-agony.html

The sub-divisional chief of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume, Togbe Kwasi Amedor
III, has expressed concern over a communicable skin disease outbreak
affecting many children and adults in Avetakpo enclave, a farming
community in the Ho West District of the Volta Region of Ghana.

According to the chief, the infected residents are experiencing sleep
deprivation, and acute and prolonged bodily pains. Despite the
severity of the outbreak, he indicated that affected individuals are
unable to access medical treatment due to a lack of funds.

Based on the request by the Queen Mother of the area, Mama Aku Seme
II, officials from the Ho West District Health Directorate of Ghana
Health Service (GHS) visited the area, but a budget of GHS 6642.50
[USD 428] was set for the community to pay before treatment could
begin. Unfortunately, the community couldn’t raise the funds.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid, because we
are not able to raise the total of GHS 6642.50 estimated budget,”
Chief Togbe Amedor III stated.

He disclosed that the disease has spread to neighboring communities,
with over 46 people affected so far.

Togbe Amedor III is calling for immediate government intervention to
support the community with funds for mass medical treatment. He
emphasized the need for contingency measures to prevent infections and
maintain residents’ well-being. The chief expressed frustration that
health officials didn’t provide the actual name of the disease or its
source, leaving the community uncertain about the situation. The lack
of access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing sources with
cattle and animals, may be contributing to the outbreak.

The chief’s appeal highlights the need for government support to
address the skin disease outbreak in Mepe-Avetakpo. With the situation
becoming increasingly serious, urgent action is required to provide
medical treatment and prevent further spread of the disease.