Kumasi, May 2, GNA- Dr Amankrah Otabir, National Co-ordinator in-charge of Leprosy Control, on Monday announced that Ghana recorded 505 cases of leprosy in 2005 as compared to 637 cases in 2006. He said this should remind health workers that they needed to work harder to minimize the spread of the disease.

Dr Otabir was speaking at a day's workshop on leprosy and buruli ulcer workshop, organized by the Kumasi Metropolitan Directorate of Health Services for about 70 health personnel and aimed at updating their skills and knowledge on treatment and control of the diseases, in Kumasi.

He reminded the public that leprosy was curable and advised those suffering from the disease to report to the hospital or health centre for treatment.

Mr. Edward Kwabena Brobbey, Ashanti Regional Officer in-charge of Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control, said the region recorded 84 cases of leprosy in 2006 and that the disease was endemic in the Amansie West, Amansie East, Atwima-Nwabiagya and Atwima-Mponua districts. He said the disease could cause bodily deformities and urged people who would detect any such defects to report early to the hospital for treatment and that the disease at the nodule stage could be treated through surgery.

Mr. Brobbey appealed to the Government to provide adequate funds for the treatment of leprosy and buruli ulcer. Dr Joseph Oduro, Kumasi Metropolitan Director of Health Services, urged the participants to impart the knowledge and skills acquired at the workshop to their colleagues to help improve health delivery. 2 May 07