Health facilities are inadequate and unevenly distributed in the district.  Although 5 out of the six (6) area councils have static health facilities (Clinics) the average distance to these facilities is over 20km.  This is because West Gonja District is one of the largest districts in the country and the settlements are sparsely distributed.  The dispersed settlement pattern is due mainly to the search for farmland.

The facilities experience shortage of drugs, vehicles and other equipment.  The district hospital at Damongo is managed by the Catholic Mission.  It is reputed for very good services.  Its catchment’s area reaches far beyond the district boundaries to Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo Region, Bole District among others. There is considerable pressure on the limited personnel and facilities.

 Most of these diseases could be reduced with improved/better environmental sanitation and personal hygiene.  Improved income and better housing could generally raise the health status of the people.

Guinea Worm Case

As at the year 2005, the district recorded a total number of 25 guinea worm cases but for the 1st half of the year 2006, the district recorded a total number of 5 cases.

Guinea worm eradication suffered a setback due to the following factors:

1.     Reduced government support and logistics
2.     In-migration from guinea worm infested areas
3.     Inadequate portable water especially during the dry season
4.     Negative attitude of community members indeed the number of cases increased by 23% while the number of endemic village increased 15% in 2002.

 There has been significant improvement in health delivery over the past years.  Reports from DHMT indicate that 65% of the populace seeks medical care at formal health centres.  Both curative and preventive health care services are provided in the district but the focus is on preventive services.