Kumasi, Sept 5, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Kofi Asare, has called on health officers to adhere strictly to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended drugs for the treatment and prevention of Buruli Ulcer.

He mentioned the two antibiotics recommended by WHO as Rifampicin and Streptomycin.

Dr Asare was speaking at the opening session of a three-day workshop on Buruli Ulcer control and prevention, organized by the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Health Services for District Health Directors in the region in Kumasi on Tuesday.

The workshop was aimed at equipping health workers on the management of the disease.

He explained that apart from causing side effects, non-compliance with the WHO recommendations could lead to high cost of treatment. He asked them to educate their patients on the use of the drugs. Dr. Akwasi Twumasi, Deputy Director of Public Health Services, said the infection caused by a germ called microbacterium Ulcerans was treatable, but had been neglected.

The disease is acquired by close and prolonged contact with water bodies, especially children who mostly play in them. Dr Twumasi said the infection was a slow growing bacterium, which takes between six to eight weeks to grow, especially on the limps, but added it was not transmittable.

Mr Edward Kwabena Brobbey, Regional Coordinator of Buruli Ulcer, said the region had recorded 300 cases and that the number has reduced as compared to the previous years. He said the disease was chronic but not an emergency and urged the public to report any suspected case as soon as possible to prevent amputation or fixed limps.