Despite several interventions like; distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLIN's ), Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Seasonal Malaria Chemo-Prevention (SMC) among others. Malaria, a tropical and sub-tropical ecological zone condition caused by mosquitoes had still remained a health endemic in the Sissala East District and claimed and is still threatening to claim more lives in the district. This threat is however been contained partially and rolled-back this time round through the collaborated efforts of key stakeholders in the health sector. This worth adulating success story was revealed at this Year's Mid Performance Review Meeting at the District Assembly Conference Hall of Sissala East, Tumu, by the Ag. District Director of Health Administration, Mr. Nyusin Saani.
According to the Ag. District Health Director, malaria reported cases in the district had dropped from 29% in 2016 to about 20% in the middle of 2017 and is thereby replaced by Upper Respiratory Track Infections like; bronchitis, catarrh, cough, simple anamae among others; which are less fatal vis-à-vis malaria whose fatality or mortality rate is very high in the country and particularly claim a life every few minutes especially that of children.
According to Ag. Director, other successes chalked in the year under review included; increased skilled delivery from a little above 44% in 2016 to over 46%. This contributed to the first 6-months of no maternal death, increased number of resident medical doctor from one (1) two (2), restoration of X-ray services in the Tumu District Hospital which was conspicuously missing for quite a long time in the district. He particularly also showed a glowing appreciation to the Sissala East District Assembly for the immense support given to the DHA in achieving this feat; particularly the crucial role the Assembly played in the conversion of the Wallembelle Health Centre to a Hospital .
He, however bemoaned some outdated socio-cultural practices, deplorable road network, inadequate; means of transport and human resources (doctors & midwives), poor ambulance service among others as some of the challenges which are holding them back from doing better.
The District Chief Executive, Hon. Karim Nanyua, in his speech at the occasion was full of words of commendation and appreciation to the various stakeholders who contributed towards the attainment this success story . He promised of government's continuous support to the health sector in the district in order to turn over all the negative health performance indicators to rather point down to the healthy and economic well-being of the people. In this regard, the DCE, specifically mentioned that, government is not resting on its oars in settling the accumulated NHIA arrears it inherited as about 50% of the debt had already been offset. He also added that, most of the roads which were awarded on contract by the erstwhile administration in the district without the necessary funding are going to be streamlined from the central government to ensure the reconstruction of those roads to help boost access to health services and other economic activities in the district. The DCE ended his speech by enjoining all actors to live the theme of the Mid-Year Review "Sustaining Community Partnership Towards the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals."
Writer : Razak Luriwie Braimah
Office : District information service.
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