The Eastern Regional Health Directorate has advised eligible residents in beneficiary communities in Kwahu Area amd Ayensuano to avoid alcohol consumption before and after taking medication during the 2026 Round One Mass Drug Administration (MDA) exercise against Onchocerciasis, commonly known as River Blindness which begins June 20,2026.
Health authorities say alcohol should not be consumed within 24 hours before or after taking the medicine to ensure safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
“Alcohol not to be taken before or after taking the medicines (± 24hrs).Report any adverse drug reaction to community drug Distributor or nearest health facility” said Health Directorate
This was made known on Monday during media engagement organised by the Eastern Regional Health Directorate ahead of the Mass Drug Administration campaign targeted at eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the region.
According to the Directorate, the exercise will focus solely on Onchocerciasis treatment in the Eastern Region using ivermectin tablets administered through trained Community-based Drug Distributors (CDDs).
The Directorate noted that Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by blackflies that breed in fast-flowing rivers and remains the second leading cause of avoidable blindness globally. The disease can cause severe itching, skin changes and eventual blindness if left untreated.
A total of 168,467 people are considered at risk in the region, with 134,774 individuals targeted for treatment in this year’s exercise.
The campaign will be conducted in four districts — Kwahu East, Kwahu Afram Plains North, Kwahu Afram Plains South and Ayensuano — covering 19 sub-districts.
Director of Public Health Dr.Moses Barima Djimatey clarified that not everyone will be eligible to receive the medication.
He said Pregnant women, children below 90 centimetres in height, mothers breastfeeding babies less than one week old and seriously ill persons have been excluded from the exercise.
Residents were also urged to immediately report any adverse drug reaction to Community-based Drug Distributors or visit the nearest health facility.
The Health Directorate appealed to religious leaders, assembly members and traditional authorities in participating communities to support awareness creation and encourage full participation to help eliminate River Blindness and prevent avoidable blindness in the region.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
