Bunkpurugu, (N/R), Dec. 20, GNA - The Bunkpurugu Health Centre last year recorded 19,215 malaria cases as against 14,718 cases the previous year.

The Centre also recorded two maternal deaths during the year Mr. Lawrence Mumuni, a Medical Assistant in charge of the Centre, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Bunkpurugu.

He attributed the rising malaria cases to farming behind houses that served as breeding grounds for mosquitoes during the rainy season. The Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District recorded two cases of guinea worm as at November this year as against three last year. Mr. Mumuni commended Nakuukini group of natives living within and outside Ghana and Reverend Musah Langboung for donating two ambulances to the Health Centre this year.

He said the vehicles had helped to facilitate the transportation of patients who are referred to either the Bende Hospital or the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Mr. Mumuni mentioned inadequate office and residential accommodation as challenges facing staff at the centre and appealed to the health authorities to help address them.