As floodwaters continue to pose a threat to lives and property in parts of Accra, health officials are stepping up efforts to prevent a possible outbreak of water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has been leading a team of health officials on an assessment tour of flood-prone communities to evaluate sanitation conditions and intensify public health education.
Heavy rains and flooding often leave behind stagnant water, contaminated drains, and polluted water sources. Flooding creates ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases.
Health authorities warn that without proper sanitation and timely intervention, outbreaks of cholera, diarrhea, typhoid fever, and malaria can quickly emerge in affected communities.
Monday’s rains left several communities flooded, food items destroyed, and water sources contaminated.
During the visit to Adawnaa, Neoplan Station, and Achimota Alogboshie, residents and traders were educated on preventive measures.
“As the homes have been flooded, the water carried to their homes, faecal matter, germs, and a whole lot. Their waters may be contaminated. Hence, we need to let them know what to do to prevent infections. They should make sure to eat foods warm and boil the rainwater or add alum before use. If anyone starts having diarrhea too, they should visit the hospital early.” He noted.
The Minister announced that public health nurses and community health workers will be deployed to affected communities to intensify health education.
“We are also going to deploy the public health nurses into the communities to continue the awareness and prevention education.” He said.
The general public is urged to keep their surroundings clean and report suspected cases of cholera or other infectious diseases promptly to the nearest health facility.
By Sarah Apenkroh
