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The absence of potable source of drinking water in the Prestea Huni Valley District of the Western Region continues to expose children to schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a chronic disease associated with blood in the urine.
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Residents of the region still depend on streams for their daily water needs with children travelling far distances for water.

Unfortunately, the education of most of the children in the area has been hampered by the frequent signs of fever, headache, muscle pain, diarrhoea and respiratory symptoms associated with the disease.

Dr Alexander Zakaria, Medical Superintendent of the Prestea Hospital, confirmed the situation to the GNA.

He said a recent screening exercise embarked upon by the Hospital with financial assistance from Nana Nteboah Prah III, the chief of the area, revealed that more children continue to contract the disease.

Nana Prah III said he is collaborating with the health facilities in the area to bring the situation under control adding that he has initiated the construction of a mechanised borehole for the people at a cost of GH? 20,000.

He said the facility would supply safe water to people in the community and called on benevolent organisations to come to their aid.