Annual Programme of Work 2005 - Ministry of Health

Guinea worm Eradication
Guinea Worm cases have been increasing over the last three years from 4739 in 2001
(baseline) to 5611 in 2002 and to 8290 in 2003. During 2004, the number of cases has
reduced only marginally by 4% (from 6582 at October 2003 to 6317 at October 2004).
The number of districts affected by the disease has reduced from 69 in 2001 to 62 in 2003
and 56 at October 2004. Only 20 districts account for 98% of Guineaworm cases in 2003
and 2004: 11 districts in the Northern Region are responsible for 70% of all cases; 2
districts in Volta Region are responsible for 24% of all cases; 3 districts in Brong Ahafo
Region are responsible for 3% of all cases; and one district in Upper West Region and 3
districts in Ashanti Region are responsible for 1% of all cases. The problem is therefore
focalized to the Volta Basin.
During the past two years efforts to reverse the situation have been intensified. A major
investment drive to drill bore holes in Guineaworm endemic communities has started.
The surveillance system has also been strengthened and made more comprehensive and
sensitive. This has resulted in better case detection, case containment and reporting. The
focus for 2005 will be to consolidate the gains in surveillance, improve case
management/containment and revitalize other interventions to interrupt transmission by
the end of the year. A well coordinated inter-sectoral approach to Guineaworm
eradication will be pursued.
The priority activities would include:
• Implement an active and sensitive surveillance system in all villages that reported
guinea worm in the last three years
• Conduct guinea worm case search as part of the NIDs
• Develop guidelines for the establishment and management of a sensitive integrated
CBS system.
• Contain guinea worm cases detected
• Distribute filters to eligible villages accompanied by proper education on their correct
use
• Treat eligible infected drinking water sources with abate
• Collaborate with Ghana Water Company, District Assemblies, Partners and
Communities to provide potable water in endemic villages.
• Mobilize other sectors, communities and stakeholders to support guinea worm
eradication efforts
• Targets are not ambitious – signed agreement to Carter to eradicate GW in four years
Expected Output/results
• 100% reporting from villages targeted for active surveillance, i.e., those that have
reported guinea worm disease during the past three years;
• At least 80% of guinea worm cases detected contained
• 100% household filter coverage in all eligible villages.
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