The Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has expressed worry that the anthrax outbreak in the region, which initially hit two districts, Binduri and Bawku West, has now hit a total of 11 districts and municipalities.
Even more worrying, according to the Upper East Regional Minister, is the fact that some residents in some communities are still consuming dead animals in flagrant violation of the health codes being communicated.
“It is still happening. What is worrying is that sometimes, when the health workers get to these communities, the carcass has been divided into pieces and people have taken it away. I want people to take it very seriously. It is infectious, and it can kill you. We have to treat it as such,” he said to Mark Smith on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show.
Mr. Yakubu admitted to the difficulty in getting the vaccines. “One dose is Ghc2. But that is not the only cost. You would have to buy gloves, syringes, and others. What I have done is instruct all my DCEs to try very hard to get the vaccines. Also, the RCC is trying to get some more. What we have done so far is free. We are also talking at the national level. That is why the national president of the veterinary services is here with us,” he said.
The Upper East Regional Minister explained that the quicker the region can get a handle on the situation, the better the situation will be for celebrants of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana