Buruli Ulcer

Buruli ulcer is a waterborne disease caused by a bacteria related to leprosy and tuberculosis. Necrotic skin lesions leading to amputation of arms and legs, loss of eyes, loss of reproductive systems, and frequently death, are a few of the consequences of this disease. Untreated lesions secrete a toxin that resists the body’s immune response.

The national prevalence rate of active lesions in Ghana is 20.7 per 100,000 people, while the rate in the districts covered by the Diocese of Obuasi is 150.8 per 100,000 people, more than seven times greater than the national rate. At St. Martin Hospital, which serves as the buruli ulcer treatment center for the Diocese, one can find young patients below seven months old as well as those over 100 years of age. Statistics show that children under 15 and women more often contract this disease than others in the population; the majority of patients are under 20. From this information and the above photos it was obvious that a water well was urgently needed in this area, as well as surrounding villages. This village is located in the center of the affected areas. 

We have successfully drilled a bore hole and mechanized it. Due to the efforts of the Ohio and NY Chapters of IHM and their donors, Buruli disease has been virtually eliminated in this village.

However, there are other villages in the Amansi West area that also need assistance. If you would like to help us with these suffering people please contact us.

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