The Prevalence of Onchocerciasis and other Parasitic Infestations on an Oil Palm Plantation in Ghana

Abstract

This study was carried out amongst workers of Twifo Oil Palm Plantations (TOPP), a large agro-based industry located in the tropical rain forest belt of the Central Region of Ghana in West Africa. The district abounds in streams and rivers, the biggest being the rapidly flowing River Pra which bisects the district. Simulium flies abound in the area and are commonly seen biting voraciously especially during the period of the year when farm lands are being prepared for cropping. The author assumed the responsibility of providing health care for about 1700 employees of the plantation and their dependents in 1988. The majority of employees had been engaged without any pre-employment medical examination. Available medical information on most workers was inadequate and limited to those reporting to the small company clinic. There was no hospital in the district and the deplorable roads turned the district into an inaccessible island. Meaningful planning for healthcare delivery in the area was difficult. This study was conceived as an initial step in identifying the common health problems particularly amongst the plantation workers in order to plan necessary interventions.