The latest Tuberculosis treatment outcome data from the Obuasi East Health Directorate show success rates of 95% for TB in 2023, just above the End TB Strategy target of 90% by 2025.
The figure represents a significant improvement in the success rate chalked in 2022. Again, the Tuberculosis case fatality rate reduced from 10% to 1.6% in 2023.
The Obuasi East District Health Director Dr. Enyonam Ama Kwawukume believed the success chalked in the treatment of TB represents a concerted effort by stakeholders to eliminate Tuberculosis.
At the 2023 annual performance review held in Obuasi, Dr. Kwawukume assured that the Directorate will not drop their guard but will continue to work assiduously to improve upon the success chalked in 2023.
Meanwhile the Health Director has expressed satisfaction with efforts made by the various Health facilities in the district during a power point presentation by the health facilities. She said despite some challenges encountered including attrition of Nurses and Health professionals, the significant achievements were down to hard work and commitment.
Incidence of Malaria drops
During the presentation, it was revealed that malaria incidence dropped from 165/1000 recorded in 2022 to 151/1000 in 2023.
Dr. Enyonam Kwawukume attributed the drop in figures to the efforts by AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control’s Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). She said despite the efforts of Agamal in their Internal Residual Spraying program the Directorate has been sharing mosquito nets which has culminated in the success chalked in the fight against Malaria in the district.
On high still birth rate recorded during the period, she said the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of AGA Health Foundation has been a referral center hence receives people from around Obuasi.
” This figure is not necessarily from Obuasi but includes those who bring their children to AGAHF’s NICU from other districts to seek treatment, she said.
She advised residents to make good use of the NHIS and register. She said the NHIS is the best bet in seeking quality healthcare especially for the vulnerable and poor in the society.
” Going forward, we will work assiduously to reduce maternal mortality and asked the health facilities to also put in more efforts, be proactive and collaborate with the directorate to ensure we achieve our set targets”.
Health facilities like AngloGold Ashanti Health Foundation, SDA Hospital, Bryant Mission and other health facilities were available and made presentations on their achievements during the year under review.