The Ghana Health Service in the Bono Region has reached out to journalists to form a joint effort in preventing diseases that occur during the rainy season.
The GHS called on stakeholders, including the Information Service Department, Environmental Health Department, journalists, and the Ghana Red Cross, to deepen collaboration and share ideas to help prevent looming cholera and diarrhoea outbreaks.
The health directorate told journalists that the Bono region did not record a single cholera case in 2024, even when there were outbreaks in other part of the country therefore, the joint effort forms part of proactive approach adopted by the health directorate.
Journalists were reminded of the importance of accurate information and cautioned against misinformation in reporting on health issues, adding that ensuring a hygienic environment is a shared responsibility.
Ama Gyankomah Asirifi, Health Promotion Officer at the Bono Regional Health Directorate, emphasized the significant role journalists play in informing and educating the public through their platforms.
She told Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Sunyani-based Ark fm in an interview that, by working together, the GHS and journalists aim to promote awareness creation on looming danger of cholera outbreaks in the Bono Region.
Madam Asirifi acknowledged that partnering with the media is essential in educating the public on the need to maintain a clean environment and create awareness about behaviours that contribute to the spread of diseases during the rainy season.
The Bono Regional Health Directorate in advising the public cautioning of their health by practising good personal hygiene, such as regular hand washing and avoiding open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal.
Ama Gyankoma Asirifi also called on food vendors to ensure food safety by keeping food warm to kill germs and bacteria responsible for spreading cholera and diarrhoea outbreaks.
Additionally, she advised farmers to use clean water for irrigation purposes to prevent contamination.
In a separate development, the Bono Regional Environmental Health Directorate highlighted significant challenges hindering its efforts to achieve a hygienic environment.
According to the Environmental Health Director, Ms. Medina Doku, financial constraints, and the lack of an administrative vehicle have impeded the directorate’s core mandate, despite its efforts to engage in public education and enforcement.
Ms. Doku also lamented the interference from politicians and political leaders, who often prevent offenders from being prosecuted.
She told Kaakyire Kwasi Afari that these influencers frequently demand the immediate release of individuals who flout environmental laws, putting environmental officers at risk.
The directorate’s efforts aim to mitigate the risk of cholera and other environmental health issues, but support is needed to overcome the challenges and effectively enforce environmental laws.
Despite these challenges, the Environmental Health Directorate has organized several clean-up exercises to promote a hygienic environment.
Ms. Doku revealed plans to conduct monitoring operations in all districts to raise awareness about the looming danger of cholera.
She said some districts have already taken proactive steps, including health screenings for food vendors and house-to-house inspections, as part of their law enforcement process.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kaakyire Kwasi Afari
