Ho West: Outbreak of pestilence in Avatime-Dzogbefeme and the silence of health authorities

Avatime-Dzogbefeme and its surrounding areas have been grappling with the emergence of biting midgets in recent years.

This phenomenon coincided with the transformation of grassland into forest vegetation, as the community responded positively to the national campaign against bush burning, putting an end to the annual practice. Consequently, the grassland, which was previously prone to annual bushfires, vanished, paving the way for the appearance of a severe plague.

Microscopic flies resembling specks of dust began to inflict serious bites on residents, primarily during the mornings, late afternoons, and evenings. In cooler weather, these flies can bite throughout the day.

Avatime-Dzogbefeme, a community within the Avatime Traditional Area in the Ho West District, is home to approximately 3,000 inhabitants. It shares borders with Nyagbo and Tafi to the southwest, and Saviefe to the south.

The famous Dzogbefeme Expedition Plateau, utilized by the Ghana Army for field training and frequented by tourists, is now under threat from these bloodsucking insects.

The people of Avatime-Dzogbefeme are not only distressed by the itchiness and blisters caused by the bites but also overwhelmed by the fear of unknown long-term health implications.

Speculations regarding potential vision impairment and other illnesses have created anxiety within the community. Visitors, in particular, struggle to cope with the itchy bites, while schoolchildren face significant challenges.

Some refuse to leave their bedrooms until the sun is up and the biting subsides. Productivity is declining, as many activities can only be carried out in hot weather.

A heated debate surrounds the presence of an evergreen tree, which some claim is the source of these vicious insects.

Advocates for eradication argue that these particular trees, now favored by goats and sheep, should be completely destroyed, with a ban imposed on their use for fencing.

However, others argue that concrete evidence is required before attributing blame to these trees. Proponents of a scientific approach are calling upon the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho to take the lead in uncovering the source of the infestation and finding effective control measures.

They also appeal to the Volta Regional Health Directorate through the Ho-West District Chief Executive, urging them to address the issue promptly by assisting residents in spraying their surroundings while long-term solutions are sought.

This spreading plague is not limited to Avatime-Dzogbefeme alone but is encroaching upon neighboring communities. Unfortunately, consistent action from the Ministry of Health to intervene has been lacking.

The Avatime Traditional Area, including Amedzofe and its southwestern neighbor Tafi-Atome, are popular tourist destinations. Failure to control this menace may lead to revenue losses for the Ho-West and Afadzato South Districts.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh