Health News of Thursday, 23 April 2009

Source: GNA

Lack of potable water exposes students to typhoid

Jema (B/A), April 23, GNA - Mr Costers Nketia, Headmaster of Jema Senior High School has said at least five students of the school got infected with typhoid fever every week. "I carry the sick students either to the Kintampo Municipal Hospital or the District Hospital at Jema throughout the week," he said. Mr Nketia disclosed this during a clean-up exercise undertaken by residents of Jema, capital of Kintampo South District of Brong Ahafo at the weekend.

He attributed the situation to the water that the students used, explaining that a stream that flowed through the eastern part of the school was the only source of water for the students. "The situation is worrisome and is seriously undermining effective academic work," he said.

He accused residents of polluting the stream with their activities, making it dangerous for the students to use.

Mr Nketia disclosed that since its establishment in 1992 the school had battled with the problem of lack of potable water for students and appealed for assistance to prevent the situation from degenerating into an epidemic.