Residents living in flood-affected regions within the lower Volta Basin are facing a heightened risk of encountering female genital schistosomiasis, commonly known as bilharzia. This concern arises as aquatic weeds, serving as habitats for freshwater snails, carriers of the parasites responsible for the disease, are encroaching closer to communities along the Volta River.
Schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease caused by parasitic worms, ranks second only to malaria in terms of its devastating impact among parasitic diseases. The illness is classified as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Its transmission occurs through freshwater snails hosting the parasites, which release infectious forms known as cercariae into the water. Contact with contaminated freshwater, typically through the skin, leads to infection. The predominant species responsible for human infections are Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, or S. japonicum.
Dr. Senanu Djokoto, the Deputy Health Director overseeing public health in the Volta Region, highlighted in an interview that while there hasn’t been a noticeable surge in bilharzia cases in the region over recent years, the prevalence rate in the lower Volta Basin could be on the rise due to the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams. This event exacerbates the risk for residents to come into contact with the parasites.
To address this emerging health threat, Dr. Djokoto emphasized collaborative efforts between the Ghana Health Service and the Volta River Authority to implement appropriate interventions aimed at reducing bilharzia cases. As a precautionary measure, he urged residents in flood-affected areas to refrain from disposing of water into the river, thereby minimizing opportunities for parasite transmission.
The proactive measures and public health awareness initiatives underscore the importance of mitigating the spread of bilharzia and safeguarding the well-being of communities residing in flood-prone regions along the Volta River.
“Our data here at the Volta Regional Health Directorate does not suggest that we have had an increase in the number of Schistosomiasis cases over the period. However, in 2015, a survey was conducted, and we noticed that the prevalence rates of Schistosomiasis had decreased in most of the communities along the Volta Basin. It is usually rated between mild and moderate.”
“However, because of the flooding along the Volta Basin this year, the aquatic weeds that carry the freshwater snails that harbour the baby parasites, which penetrate individuals who come into contact with the infested water, have gone closer to the communities. Therefore, the possibility of interacting with the larval form of the parasite is high, and once this is high, there is a clear indication that the cases of Schistosomiasis will increase.”
