Health Foundation of Ghana in collaboration with Fontiles of Spain had presented medical equipment and materials worth GH¢12,500 to support the treatment of buruli ulcer patients at the Saint Peter's Hospital at Jacobu in the Amansie Central District.
These include beds, mattresses, bed sheets, operating gowns, plastic aprons, masks, surgeon caps, crepe bandages, examination gloves, cotton
wool, gauze, pillow cases and antiseptic.
The donation is part of the Buruli Uulcer Control and Support Project being implemented in the area by the Foundation in concert with its Spanish ally.
Mrs Lynda Arthur, Country Director of the Foundation, said the project that started in 2008 was aimed at helping in the early detection of buruli ulcer to prevent deformities.
Additionally, it is meant to reduce stigmatization.
She said the project had trained about 240 health personnel to offer quality health care to buruli ulcer patients.
Community health volunteers have also been trained and supplied with logistics to move around the communities, educating and providing
adequate information on the disease to the people.
Mrs Arthur said she was confident the donation would give some comfort to patients.
Dr Edwin Ampadu, Programmes Manager, National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, urged the district assembly and the traditional authorities to collaborate to expand health care delivery facilities in the district.
Mr Robert Forkuoh, the District Chief Executive, appealed to the hospital staff not to discriminate against buruli ulcer patients.
He pledged the assembly's support to the expansion of facilities at the hospital and thanked the Foundation for the donation.
Nana Fosu Kwadwae-Abiri II, Jacobuhene, who attributed the prevalence of the disease in the district to the pollution of water bodies by illegal miners (galamsey), urged the assembly to help check their activities.