Wamfie (B/A), June 21, GNA - Malaria topped 10 outstanding causes of morbidity among the Dormaa East district's population of 57,000 people. This was revealed at the maiden performance review meeting of the district's health directorate at Wamfie.

Presenting reports relating to each disease handled in the district in 2009, the District Director of Health Service, Madam Rebecca Domo, disclosed that health facilities in the area recorded a total 50,298 out patient malaria cases, representing 54.7 percent of all OPD attendance. She said out of the malaria figure, children under five years constituted 13,170 cases and represented 26.2 percent. Madam Domo announced that 93 persons tested positive to HIV, while 31 others suffered tuberculosis and were receiving medical treatment under direct observation.

The District Control Officer, Mr David Nyarko, said the directorate though very young and saddled with teething problems, had excelled in immunization and regenerative health activities. He commended the Dormaa East District Assembly for its continued support particularly during immunization and other outreach exercises. Mr. Nyarko reminded parents to let their children sleep under treated mosquito nets to avoid contact with the anopheles mosquito, which transmitted the malaria parasite.