Statement By NAHSAG On Cholera And Matters Arising

INTRODUCTION:

Following the alarming emergence of cholera outbreak in the nation, coupled with the threat it poses to the well-being of people, The National Health Students Association of Ghana (NAHSAG) in its General Assembly to deliberate on issues that will further advance the cause of the association and matters of national concern opened a discussion on the said epidermic.

The meeting which took place on the 6th of September, 2014 at University of Ghana, Accra City campus brought together leaders of the various blocs and member associations of health trainees across the length and breadth of the country.

The discourse offered an opportunity to deliberate and make effective suggestions and strategies for accelerated operational response to the annual outbreak of cholera – a crisis that require more consideration to tackle.

The association thereof recommends that the GOVERNMENT:

1. Mobilises the various relevant sectors of the country to work together in improving and promoting awareness on the causes, mode of transmission, manifestation, prevention and home management of the disease. This includes developing and disseminating information and education materials for public awareness on prevention and control of Cholera. The campaigns on food handling and processing should also be intensified as well.

2. Identifies and commits additional financial funds to support outbreak preparedness for subsequent times.

3. Institutes more concrete waste management material resources for processing waste. Ghana generates huge tonnes of garbage, with a chunk of them polluting our water bodies and drainage systems. Segregation, recycling and other advanced measures can be adopted.

4. Revitalises the operation of sanitation law-enforcing institutions such as the Town Council, Sanitary Inspectors etc.

5. Through the local government, ensures that clean-up sessions are organised.

6. Enforces the laws. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local government and Rural Development, and District Assemblies should be up-and-doing in ensuring that policies and regulations on waste and sanitation are operatively enforced.

7. Establishes more waste disposal facilities to reduce pressure on the already existing ones or land sites used for that purpose.

8. Extends the services of waste management establishments to rural, deprived areas. More to the point, the government should provide toilet facilities to deficient communities. This will curb the problem of illicit disposal of sewage.

NAHSAG also entreats individuals to develop a positive attitude towards personal hygiene waste disposal and environmental sanitation.

Signed

Patrick Fynn,

Research and Media Relations Officer

Samuel Kwabla Nukpenu,

President