By Alex Gahima
A recent study conducted by Makerere University revealed that 90% of the population in Kisoro district is living with intestinal worms.
The report places Kisoro district as one of the districts in the country with the persistent problem.
Dr. Steven Nsabiyumva, the District Health Officer for Kisoro says the general population has adamantly refused to embrace the importance of de-worming.
According to Nsabiyumva, all health facilities across the district have free de-wormers however adults ignorantly claim that such medication is meant for children.
He noted that the high consumption of Bushera (a drink made from fermented sorghum) is one of the major reasons why the population in Kisoro is living with Intestinal worms, which include round worms, tape worms and hook worms that are dangerous to the body.
Tapeworm cysts get an opportunity to get into the millet when farmers leave them on the bare ground to dry before preparing the highly sought-after drink.
Bushera is a treasured drink in Kisoro, Kabale and Rubanda and has even managed to enter Kampala markets.
Dr. Nsabiyumva recommends that the public needs to de-worm at least every after six months, using tablets like Albendazole or Mebendazole.
Dismas Birungi, Principal Health Inspector for Bunagana Town Council says the prevalence of open defecation stands at 30%
According to Birungi, the public still requires more sensitization on the importance of washing their hands as well as using Pit latrines.
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