Health officials in the Upper West Region of Ghana have raised concerns about the influx of immigrants from Mali and Burkina Faso, which is burdening health facilities in the region.
The political instability in Burkina Faso and Mali has led to increased pressure on health services in the region due to the arrival of foreigners from these two countries.
At least five districts in the Upper West Region share boundaries with Burkina Faso, including Sissala East, Sissala West, Lambusie, Lawra, and Nandom.
During the 2023 annual health sector review meeting in Wa, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Damien Punguyire, revealed that the region has seen an influx of more than 8000 foreign nationals from the two war-torn countries since January this year.
Dr. Punguyire expressed concern over the strain that this increase in immigrants is putting on health facilities, particularly in the Sissala East and West districts. Despite checkpoints manned by immigration officials and security operatives along the borders, the number of immigrants entering the region continues to rise.
He emphasized the need for measures to strengthen health facilities in the affected districts to better address the healthcare needs of both the local population and the influx of immigrants.
Dr Punguyire highlighted the challenges faced by health facilities in the region, stating, “The political instability in Burkina Faso and Mali continue to exert undue challenges on our health facilities on services in the region. Data on the immigrants gathered at the Health service, in collaboration with Ghana Immigration Service revealed that as of January this year, there were 8,700 immigrants including 1,036 children”.
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