The Damongo Agricultural College, a tertiary institution in the West Gonja District has launched its annual SRC week celebration themed, “Agricultural Education- A route to success”.
Damongo Agricultural College was first established in the year 1963 by three Governments; the Canadian Government, Ghana government and the German government.
In retrospect, the school was called Damongo Farm Institute and it was started with eleven (11) male students. They offered courses such as, Maths, English, Farm Mechanisation and animal husbandry. The purpose was to train farmers and equip them with farm equipment for farming in order to improve food production in the region.
However, prior to the establishment, in the year 1953, there was a policy to involved all interested farmers in the three Northern Region to have a group farming at Damongo in the West Gonja District, the initiation was therefore change to training the farmers to become Field Officers.
In 1995, the name of the institute was change to Damongo Agricultural College and the school was however fully managed by the Ghana government. The Institute currently have a population of 169 students. The courses offered includes, General Agriculture, which entails, Aqua-culture, Agri-business, Genetic and Animal breeding and also rabbit rearing and bee keeping.
At the occasion, the West Gonja District Chief Executive, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, in his address, expressed his profound gratitude to both the administration and the students of the Institute for their success chalked in the previous years.
He explained that, agricultural success is the heart of the nation; therefore, both the old boys and the students should make sure they put their studies into practice since their work is more practically based.
Hon. Mutawakilu, stated that, for agriculture production to be successful in the district, there must be a good road. However, government have already awarded the 65km Fufluso- Damongo- Sawla road to be constructed.
He said, the contractors are putting up the various logistics to start physical work, and the other ancillary work attached to the road includes, construction of classroom block and 14 mechanised boreholes among others. The west Gonja hospital accident unit will also be well equipped.
Moreover, Mr Ebenezer Tawiah the Principal of the College advised students to take their studies serious and must make sure they take advantage of agricultural opportunity wherever they found themselves.
He also exclaimed about the number of applicants they admit every year, explaining that, the college administration admits only few applicants because of inadequate infrastructure and accommodation. He therefore pleaded to the government to renovate the whole school facilities in order to pave way for more applicants who want to be educated in the agricultural sector.
He therefore pleaded with the government to come to their aid.
Finally, Mr Charles Boateng the SRC President, in his speech, highlighted on the theme for the celebration. He said the celebration seeks to educate the general public in the district on agricultural production by hosting radio programs and also organising talk shows from specialist in the agricultural sector.
He also revealed that, the environmental condition under which their food was being prepared is very alarming. He said on February 24th 2012, the college kitchen collapsed; as a result the workers now prepare the meals in an open environment exposing the food to danger. He therefore appealed to the government and other organisations to come to their aid.
The College SRC is embarking on the cultivating of 3 acres of land for cowpea, maize and soya beans production, in order to generate income to solve some of their challenges like purchasing of siren and DSTV for the school.
BY Shallom Lumor & Regina Atule
Friday, March 2, 2012
Capacity building for 50 cooperative executive in Damongo
The Business Advisory Centre and West Gonja District Assembly have organised, a 5 day capacity building for 50 cooperate executives at Mahama Guest House in Damongo.
The cooperate executive include, Bead Makers, gari processors, Bee-Keepers, Farmers, Hairdressers, Dressmakers and Blacksmiths.
However, the training was to help lift up business managements, financial managements, and adequate record keeping.
It has been identified that, business fail because of the inadequate management of business owners. Many of the business men and women do not manage their business properly, which has led to bankruptcy and poverty in the district.
However, cooperate executives were advised to encouraged group cohesiveness in their business operations so that they can learn different ideas from one another and this will therefore enhance their inputs.
By SHallom Lumor & Regina Atule
The cooperate executive include, Bead Makers, gari processors, Bee-Keepers, Farmers, Hairdressers, Dressmakers and Blacksmiths.
However, the training was to help lift up business managements, financial managements, and adequate record keeping.
It has been identified that, business fail because of the inadequate management of business owners. Many of the business men and women do not manage their business properly, which has led to bankruptcy and poverty in the district.
However, cooperate executives were advised to encouraged group cohesiveness in their business operations so that they can learn different ideas from one another and this will therefore enhance their inputs.
By SHallom Lumor & Regina Atule
50 WOMEN TRAINED IN GARI PROCESSING
The Business Advisory Centre in partnership with West Gonja District Assembly with financial support from the West Gonja Area Development Programme under World Vision Ghana has organised a one-week training for 50 women in modern method of gari processing at the Kanyitiwale No2 Gari Processing Centre in Damongo. The participants were from Langbanto, Atributo, Alasankura and Hungerline.
The purpose of the training was to equip the women with the modern method of gari processing. Hence, the women were trained to use Soy Beans, margarine and cassava for gari processing, thus to add value to the gari. It was also to improve quality and packaging of gari.
It also seeks at increasing the market value of gari in the district. The participants were taught how to reduce the unnecessary wastage of cassava when processing gari.
In an Interview with the head of the Business Advisory Centre Mr. Alidu Ewura said the objective of the center is to ensure the promotion and development of small scale enterprise through the provision of training, business counselling, and extension services.
He adviced the participants to use their income profitably, and must also ensure that, much consideration is given to their children’s education and health. They were encouraged to process the gari in a hygienic environment in order to avoid health related problems like food poisoning.
By SHallom Lumor and Regina Atule
The purpose of the training was to equip the women with the modern method of gari processing. Hence, the women were trained to use Soy Beans, margarine and cassava for gari processing, thus to add value to the gari. It was also to improve quality and packaging of gari.
It also seeks at increasing the market value of gari in the district. The participants were taught how to reduce the unnecessary wastage of cassava when processing gari.
In an Interview with the head of the Business Advisory Centre Mr. Alidu Ewura said the objective of the center is to ensure the promotion and development of small scale enterprise through the provision of training, business counselling, and extension services.
He adviced the participants to use their income profitably, and must also ensure that, much consideration is given to their children’s education and health. They were encouraged to process the gari in a hygienic environment in order to avoid health related problems like food poisoning.
By SHallom Lumor and Regina Atule
38 Graduate Apprentices receives working equipment
The Rural Enterprise Project of the Business Advisory Centre in alliance with West Gonja District Assembly has donated some working equipment to 38 graduate apprentices from various trades and vocations in the West Gonja District worth GH₵17,467.40. Some of the equipment were Sewing Machines, Hair Dryers, Carpentry Equipment, Vulcanising tools, Barbering Machines and Electrical welding working tools.
The beneficiaries were from different vocational associations which include hairdressers, dressmakers, carpenters, welders, blacksmith, fitters and barbers.
The Rural Enterprise Project is a project initiated by the government and with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to alleviate poverty in rural areas.
However, the purpose of the donation was to support the various vocational workers in the district. The initiative seeks to equip the beneficiaries to be entrepreneurial and self-reliance and also to boost their income earnings.
At the occasion, the West Gonja District Chief Executive Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, expressed his sincere gratitude to government for its quest to alleviate poverty.
He however, advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment, and must make sure the equipment will be put under good maintenance environment in order to make them durable.
Hon. Mutawakilu, assured the public that, the District Assembly in collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre is establishing a Rural Technology Facility for the district. He explained that, the project was to take care of the technological aspect of their vocation, thus, it will enhance work efficiency and promote easy access to maintenance of equipment.
He also revealed that the contract has already been awarded to the contractor, and preparations are made towards the commencement of the project.
In his presentation, the Head of Business Advisory Centre, Mr Alidu Ewura, encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment in order to increase their income level.
Nonetheless, Mr Ewura warned the beneficiaries not to sell their equipment, because the items were solemnly for free, he stressed that the monitory systems will monitor and culprits will be dealt with legally for selling the equipment.
He said the Rural Enterprise Project have been extended for 8 years with effect from January 2012. He then assured them that, there will be more donations to other vocational workers in the district. Hence, they should not be relentless in their efforts to work hard in other to fend for themselves.
By Shallom Lumor & Regina Atule
The beneficiaries were from different vocational associations which include hairdressers, dressmakers, carpenters, welders, blacksmith, fitters and barbers.
The Rural Enterprise Project is a project initiated by the government and with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to alleviate poverty in rural areas.
However, the purpose of the donation was to support the various vocational workers in the district. The initiative seeks to equip the beneficiaries to be entrepreneurial and self-reliance and also to boost their income earnings.
At the occasion, the West Gonja District Chief Executive Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, expressed his sincere gratitude to government for its quest to alleviate poverty.
He however, advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment, and must make sure the equipment will be put under good maintenance environment in order to make them durable.
Hon. Mutawakilu, assured the public that, the District Assembly in collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre is establishing a Rural Technology Facility for the district. He explained that, the project was to take care of the technological aspect of their vocation, thus, it will enhance work efficiency and promote easy access to maintenance of equipment.
He also revealed that the contract has already been awarded to the contractor, and preparations are made towards the commencement of the project.
In his presentation, the Head of Business Advisory Centre, Mr Alidu Ewura, encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment in order to increase their income level.
Nonetheless, Mr Ewura warned the beneficiaries not to sell their equipment, because the items were solemnly for free, he stressed that the monitory systems will monitor and culprits will be dealt with legally for selling the equipment.
He said the Rural Enterprise Project have been extended for 8 years with effect from January 2012. He then assured them that, there will be more donations to other vocational workers in the district. Hence, they should not be relentless in their efforts to work hard in other to fend for themselves.
By Shallom Lumor & Regina Atule
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
WUSC TRAINS 16 GIRLS CLUB PATRONS IN DAMONONG.
The world university Service of Canada (WUSC) now in Ghana has organised one-day training for 16 patrons of girls clubs in the west Gonja district capital, Damongo on Thursday, 16th February 2012.
The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is an international NGO that has been in existence since the 1920s but first came to Ghana in 1957.
WUSC globally works in 24 countries across the three continents of Africa, South East Asia and Latin America to achieve Millennium Development Goals.
Moreover, WUSC vision is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training. WUSC believes that “education changes the world’ thus its objectives is to provide education and training to improve livelihoods, balance inequities, integrate vulnerable communities, promote health and foster social economic development.
Nevertheless, in Ghana, WUSC works in the basic education sector with a special focus on girls’ education. It seeks to tackle the low aspiration and achievement of girls, promote access to education and retention of girls in school and provision of life skills training for Girls.
The training aims at updating, patrons of girls Clubs in the district. The training was on gender strategy, gender concept, advocacy and gender advocacy.
However, presently, there are 6 existing clubs in Damongo since its introduction in September last year.
The facilitator Ms Patience Gamado, the Senior Programmes Officer of WUSC Ghana, said the organisation aims at forming girls club in districts that have gender parity, such as Damongo, Sawla and Atebubu.
She explained that, gender is link with development, and the gender perspectives tend to focus on women because they are the more structurally subordinated and disadvantaged within the existing system.
Gender focused approaches, challenges the status quo because advocacy changes attitudes and cultural practices.
BY SHALLOM LUMOR AND ATULE REGINA
The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is an international NGO that has been in existence since the 1920s but first came to Ghana in 1957.
WUSC globally works in 24 countries across the three continents of Africa, South East Asia and Latin America to achieve Millennium Development Goals.
Moreover, WUSC vision is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training. WUSC believes that “education changes the world’ thus its objectives is to provide education and training to improve livelihoods, balance inequities, integrate vulnerable communities, promote health and foster social economic development.
Nevertheless, in Ghana, WUSC works in the basic education sector with a special focus on girls’ education. It seeks to tackle the low aspiration and achievement of girls, promote access to education and retention of girls in school and provision of life skills training for Girls.
The training aims at updating, patrons of girls Clubs in the district. The training was on gender strategy, gender concept, advocacy and gender advocacy.
However, presently, there are 6 existing clubs in Damongo since its introduction in September last year.
The facilitator Ms Patience Gamado, the Senior Programmes Officer of WUSC Ghana, said the organisation aims at forming girls club in districts that have gender parity, such as Damongo, Sawla and Atebubu.
She explained that, gender is link with development, and the gender perspectives tend to focus on women because they are the more structurally subordinated and disadvantaged within the existing system.
Gender focused approaches, challenges the status quo because advocacy changes attitudes and cultural practices.
BY SHALLOM LUMOR AND ATULE REGINA
Monday, February 20, 2012
SOME COMMUNITIES BENEFITS FROM SMALL RUMINANTS
Most people cares and shares on Valentine Day, but sometimes on this occasion, only a few receives gifts from their loved ones. Some communities were not left out in the celebration, even though they were isolated and deprive from the good things of this country. World Vision Ghana in collaboration with the West Gonja District Assembly, have donated 700 female goats worth GH 60,000 to five selected communities and two Institutions in the West Gonja District.
The Beneficiaries were about 350 households in the selected communities. Some of the communities included, Mognori, Nabori, Kpiri, Bonyanto and Soalepe and also the Institutions were Redemption Children’s home and New life Preparatory School.
The purpose of the donation was to show care and love to the beneficiaries and to help reduce poverty in the communities. The support seeks to increase the capability of households to generate personal income and also to improve financial sustainability. It aims at helping each household to provide quality education and healthcare to their children.
At the Occasion, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, the West Gonja District Chief Executive, in his address has express his sincere thanks to World Vision Ghana for helping the District Assembly, in solving the developmental issues of the district over the past years.
He said, the World Vision has been recognised as the first among all the Non- Governmental organisations who contributes in solving the developmental issues in the district.
He therefore promised that, the District Assembly will work hard to provide better working environment for the organisation, and has also urged the organisation to be supportive and cooperative in the progressive issues of the district.
He again, encouraged the beneficiaries to take good care of the animals presented to them and must make sure they use the income wisely for better living conditions.
World Vision Ghana is a Christian relief development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities in the country to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice in the district.
In presenting the ruminants to the community dwellers, the Area Development Programs Manager of World Vision, Mr. Paul Azeka, express his gratitude to the inhabitants for corresponding with them in their previous developmental projects. He said, over the past 4 years since the organisation came to the district, the organisation has been successful in most of their endeavours.
Mr. Azeka again explained that, with the help of the district assembly and all the decentralised departments, the organisation have been able to improve upon quality education of the children in the community, improved the health facilities of some community health centres and has also improve sanitation by providing some households with toilets in some selected communities.
The Chief of Soalepe Community, Mr. Mahama Idisa, in receiving the ruminants, expresses his sincere gratitude to the District Assembly and World Vision, he therefore promised see to it that, the inhabitants will take good care of the ruminants and also ensured that, thieves will not disturb the animals which will cause financial lost to the communities.
He however, revealed that, the only community basic school is not in good condition and the school has only reached Primary Six level. He said this has made education difficult in the community and has therefore asked the organisation and the government to come to their aid.
BY SHALLOM LUMOR & REGINA ATULE
The Beneficiaries were about 350 households in the selected communities. Some of the communities included, Mognori, Nabori, Kpiri, Bonyanto and Soalepe and also the Institutions were Redemption Children’s home and New life Preparatory School.
The purpose of the donation was to show care and love to the beneficiaries and to help reduce poverty in the communities. The support seeks to increase the capability of households to generate personal income and also to improve financial sustainability. It aims at helping each household to provide quality education and healthcare to their children.
At the Occasion, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, the West Gonja District Chief Executive, in his address has express his sincere thanks to World Vision Ghana for helping the District Assembly, in solving the developmental issues of the district over the past years.
He said, the World Vision has been recognised as the first among all the Non- Governmental organisations who contributes in solving the developmental issues in the district.
He therefore promised that, the District Assembly will work hard to provide better working environment for the organisation, and has also urged the organisation to be supportive and cooperative in the progressive issues of the district.
He again, encouraged the beneficiaries to take good care of the animals presented to them and must make sure they use the income wisely for better living conditions.
World Vision Ghana is a Christian relief development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities in the country to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice in the district.
In presenting the ruminants to the community dwellers, the Area Development Programs Manager of World Vision, Mr. Paul Azeka, express his gratitude to the inhabitants for corresponding with them in their previous developmental projects. He said, over the past 4 years since the organisation came to the district, the organisation has been successful in most of their endeavours.
Mr. Azeka again explained that, with the help of the district assembly and all the decentralised departments, the organisation have been able to improve upon quality education of the children in the community, improved the health facilities of some community health centres and has also improve sanitation by providing some households with toilets in some selected communities.
The Chief of Soalepe Community, Mr. Mahama Idisa, in receiving the ruminants, expresses his sincere gratitude to the District Assembly and World Vision, he therefore promised see to it that, the inhabitants will take good care of the ruminants and also ensured that, thieves will not disturb the animals which will cause financial lost to the communities.
He however, revealed that, the only community basic school is not in good condition and the school has only reached Primary Six level. He said this has made education difficult in the community and has therefore asked the organisation and the government to come to their aid.
BY SHALLOM LUMOR & REGINA ATULE
WEST GONJA DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICE HOLDS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The West Gonja District Health Directorates has held its annual Health Performance Review in the west Gonja district of the Northern Region.
The purpose of this review was to report on the progress made as well as successes and challenges faced during health delivery in 2011.
It was also intended as a tool for resource mobilization, strategic planning, research agenda setting, policy consideration and general information on the health status of people living in the District.
The District Director of Health Service, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, in his welcome address, congratulated all the health workers for their generous works in the past years and urged them to put much effort in this year’s activities in order to improve health conditions in the district.
However, Dr. Chrysantus outlined some achievements of the health sector in the district. This included, the utilization of Ante-natal services which has increased by 12.8%, from 85.5 in 2010 to 95.6% in 2011, skilled delivery increased by 11% from 36.6% in 2010 to 39.6% in 2011 and the 1st trimester registrants has also increased from 28.3% to 28.8%
Other recognised success chalk during the year were, the Live birth rate increased from 97.1% to 98.0%, the admission rate saw an increase of 66/1,000 to 76/1,000 population and the under five malaria CFR has decreased from 0.9% to 0.8%. Also, the institutional under five mortality has decreased from 18/1,000 live births to 8/1,000 live births.
The various institutions in the District Health Service whose performances were reviewed involved, West Gonja Hospital, West Gonja Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, Damongo Community Psychiatry Unit, the Health Assistant Clinical Training School-Damongo, West Gonja District HIV/AIDS/STI Activities and the District Nutrition Sector.
Others included Damongo Sub-District, Mole Sub-District, Busunu Sub-District and Damongo community case management.
First of all, looking at the district health profile, the total population amassed was 90,616, whiles the Population Growth Rate was 2.8% and the total fertility rate was 8 children.
In the performance Reviewed of the West Gonja District Hospital, some of the activities recognized as achievements included the procurement of 100 new chairs and 7 new office tables to furnish the hospital, purchased of two grass mowers to improve the sanitation situation, replacement of all the baby courts in the children’s ward with twenty new beds through funds from carol singers of Germany and Construction of three (3) senior staff bungalows and also the purchased of SUV Hover from IGF.
Talking about the major killer diseases, cholera and malaria were given important attention.
The district recorded an outbreak of cholera that lasted for over two weeks.
The cholera was clinically characterized by a more sudden onset; watery diarrhoea; and associated abdominal pain, muscle cramps, and vomiting, which led to more dehydration and hospitalization.
On the other hand, malaria continues to be the greatest contributor to the disease burden in the district, accounting for over 50% of all OPD morbidity.
However, the numerous interventions that were undertaken have yielded positive results as the incidence continues to reduce for the past three years. The rate has reduced from 68% of all OPD morbidity in 2009 to 52% in 2011.
Yet, the cafe fatality rate (CFR) also continues to decrease. The CFR for children under five also reduced from 1.8% in 2009 to less than 1% in 2011.
Whiles IPT Coverage has been dwindling over the past 3 years with widening drop-out rates, ITN use in pregnancy remains unacceptably low.
A number of activities with support from the Global fund, ProMPT Ghana and WVI were implemented to increase informed demand malaria control commodities.
In relation to sickness and diseases the following success were chalked,
In-patient malaria mortality dropped by 0.4% from 1.2% in 2010 to 0.8% in 2011.
Average ANC visit increased by 0.7% from 3.3% in 2010 to 4% in 2011.
Penta 3 coverage increased from 53.7% in 2010 to 71.9% in 2011.
Measles coverage increased from 47.7% in 2010 to 61.9% in 2011.
Skilled deliveries rate increased by 2.2% in the year under review.
The utilization of ante-natal care has been sustained over 80% for the past four years. The coverage for the year under review was 95.6%. This represents a total of 3,464 registrants and 9,679 attendants clients who accessed care in all the health facilities across the district.
This represents about 13% increase in coverage as compared to the same period last year
Post Natal services continue to be low. A total of 1,817 clients received care after delivery.
Again in the skilled delivery, the rate increased by over 11% from 36.6% to 39.6% in 2011. This represents about 41% of ANC clients.
Policies on free delivery, NHIS enrolment and the adoption of quality improvement methods in all the areas of maternal health care are accountable for this.
Considering, the district family planning services, the district coverage for family planning offered in the period under review was 23.4% of women in their reproductive age. This figure represents a total of 5,098 new and continuing acceptors and clients who attended various health facilities in the district.
Even though good quality maternal health services are not universally available and accessible, 15% receive no antenatal care, 60% receive 4 times Pre-natal Care, 60% of deliveries unattended by skilled provider, 50% receive no post-natal care, and 70% had no access to FP services.
Special attention was given to issues of child care especially care of the neonates, all in an effort to achieving the MGD. This effort resulted in an improvement generally in the status of children under five.
Some major challenges identified included inadequate water supply in the hospital, lack of ambulance service, poor road network, inadequate technical staffs, and dilapidated staff accommodation and structures within the hospital.
In addition, limited resources, especially financial resource to institute attractive motivational packages to attract personnel to the facility was revealed.
BY MS SHALLOM LUMOR AND MISS REGINA ATULE- DAMONGO
The purpose of this review was to report on the progress made as well as successes and challenges faced during health delivery in 2011.
It was also intended as a tool for resource mobilization, strategic planning, research agenda setting, policy consideration and general information on the health status of people living in the District.
The District Director of Health Service, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, in his welcome address, congratulated all the health workers for their generous works in the past years and urged them to put much effort in this year’s activities in order to improve health conditions in the district.
However, Dr. Chrysantus outlined some achievements of the health sector in the district. This included, the utilization of Ante-natal services which has increased by 12.8%, from 85.5 in 2010 to 95.6% in 2011, skilled delivery increased by 11% from 36.6% in 2010 to 39.6% in 2011 and the 1st trimester registrants has also increased from 28.3% to 28.8%
Other recognised success chalk during the year were, the Live birth rate increased from 97.1% to 98.0%, the admission rate saw an increase of 66/1,000 to 76/1,000 population and the under five malaria CFR has decreased from 0.9% to 0.8%. Also, the institutional under five mortality has decreased from 18/1,000 live births to 8/1,000 live births.
The various institutions in the District Health Service whose performances were reviewed involved, West Gonja Hospital, West Gonja Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, Damongo Community Psychiatry Unit, the Health Assistant Clinical Training School-Damongo, West Gonja District HIV/AIDS/STI Activities and the District Nutrition Sector.
Others included Damongo Sub-District, Mole Sub-District, Busunu Sub-District and Damongo community case management.
First of all, looking at the district health profile, the total population amassed was 90,616, whiles the Population Growth Rate was 2.8% and the total fertility rate was 8 children.
In the performance Reviewed of the West Gonja District Hospital, some of the activities recognized as achievements included the procurement of 100 new chairs and 7 new office tables to furnish the hospital, purchased of two grass mowers to improve the sanitation situation, replacement of all the baby courts in the children’s ward with twenty new beds through funds from carol singers of Germany and Construction of three (3) senior staff bungalows and also the purchased of SUV Hover from IGF.
Talking about the major killer diseases, cholera and malaria were given important attention.
The district recorded an outbreak of cholera that lasted for over two weeks.
The cholera was clinically characterized by a more sudden onset; watery diarrhoea; and associated abdominal pain, muscle cramps, and vomiting, which led to more dehydration and hospitalization.
On the other hand, malaria continues to be the greatest contributor to the disease burden in the district, accounting for over 50% of all OPD morbidity.
However, the numerous interventions that were undertaken have yielded positive results as the incidence continues to reduce for the past three years. The rate has reduced from 68% of all OPD morbidity in 2009 to 52% in 2011.
Yet, the cafe fatality rate (CFR) also continues to decrease. The CFR for children under five also reduced from 1.8% in 2009 to less than 1% in 2011.
Whiles IPT Coverage has been dwindling over the past 3 years with widening drop-out rates, ITN use in pregnancy remains unacceptably low.
A number of activities with support from the Global fund, ProMPT Ghana and WVI were implemented to increase informed demand malaria control commodities.
In relation to sickness and diseases the following success were chalked,
In-patient malaria mortality dropped by 0.4% from 1.2% in 2010 to 0.8% in 2011.
Average ANC visit increased by 0.7% from 3.3% in 2010 to 4% in 2011.
Penta 3 coverage increased from 53.7% in 2010 to 71.9% in 2011.
Measles coverage increased from 47.7% in 2010 to 61.9% in 2011.
Skilled deliveries rate increased by 2.2% in the year under review.
The utilization of ante-natal care has been sustained over 80% for the past four years. The coverage for the year under review was 95.6%. This represents a total of 3,464 registrants and 9,679 attendants clients who accessed care in all the health facilities across the district.
This represents about 13% increase in coverage as compared to the same period last year
Post Natal services continue to be low. A total of 1,817 clients received care after delivery.
Again in the skilled delivery, the rate increased by over 11% from 36.6% to 39.6% in 2011. This represents about 41% of ANC clients.
Policies on free delivery, NHIS enrolment and the adoption of quality improvement methods in all the areas of maternal health care are accountable for this.
Considering, the district family planning services, the district coverage for family planning offered in the period under review was 23.4% of women in their reproductive age. This figure represents a total of 5,098 new and continuing acceptors and clients who attended various health facilities in the district.
Even though good quality maternal health services are not universally available and accessible, 15% receive no antenatal care, 60% receive 4 times Pre-natal Care, 60% of deliveries unattended by skilled provider, 50% receive no post-natal care, and 70% had no access to FP services.
Special attention was given to issues of child care especially care of the neonates, all in an effort to achieving the MGD. This effort resulted in an improvement generally in the status of children under five.
Some major challenges identified included inadequate water supply in the hospital, lack of ambulance service, poor road network, inadequate technical staffs, and dilapidated staff accommodation and structures within the hospital.
In addition, limited resources, especially financial resource to institute attractive motivational packages to attract personnel to the facility was revealed.
BY MS SHALLOM LUMOR AND MISS REGINA ATULE- DAMONGO
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