The Diplomatic Call Care Foundation as part of activities to begin the year has conducted a research on Buruli Ulcer(BU) and is poised to embark on an educational campaign on the disease to create awareness in curbing the prevalence as well as soliciting for funds and assistance to salvage the frightening Ghanaian story of Buruli Ulcer.
As such, the Diplomatic Call delegation headed by Managing Editor, Mr. Seth Owusu Mante as part of his interactions with key dignitaries that will partake in the Africa Healthcare Summit next monthwill make a case on the state of affairs of the disease as compiled by the Diplomatic Call Care Foundation with support from the National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme of the Ministry of Health. The idea and hope is to solicit for both financial and human assistance to embark on a comprehensive educational campaign as well as treatment for infected persons which comes with a high or costly clinical management.
Buruli ulcer is a disease that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is caused by an environmental pathogen, Mycobacterium ulcerans,that produces atoxin, mycolactone, now known to be responsible for the extensive debilitating late lesions. Early lesions include nodules, papules or raised plagues distributed mainly on the limbs and trunk. These lesions subsequently develop into ulcers which if left untreated may result in amputation, contracture deformities, significant disability and sepsis. About a quarter of patients develop permanent disability.
The disease is prevalent mainly in poor rural communities where the indigenes depend on soil tilling for their survival.The endemic areas are from Brong Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern and Greater Accra regions including some reported cases in Ashanti and Volta regions too. New cases keep surging up day after day.
According to Dr. Edwin Ampadu, the National Focal Person and Manager of the National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme of the Ministry of Health, BU is one of the most neglected but treatable tropical diseases. Patients who are not treated early, he said, often suffer long-term functional disability such as restriction of joint movement, as well as the obvious cosmetic problem. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in preventing such disabilities.
The Diplomatic Call Care Foundation is thus appealing to the corporate world, ngo’s and individuals to assist National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme of the Ministry of Health in one way or the other to helperadicate this devastating phenomenon in the country.
A News Desk Report
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