WHO donates medical supplies to aid June 3 disaster victims

Graphic.com.gh Jun - 18 - 2015 , 14:14

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has donated essential medical supplies to the Ministry of Health to support the victims of the June 3 twin disaster.

The supplies, worth nearly US$100,000, include oral rehydration salts (ORS) and intravenous fluids.

A statement released Thursday said the WHO has also provided technical advice and support for cholera control and prevention which may arise as a result of the flooding which has affected over 9,000 people in the country’s capital.

According to the statement, the WHO Country Representative to Ghana, Dr Magda Robalo said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life caused by the recent floods. With more rains expected, we are concerned about the increasing risk of diseases, such as cholera and malaria.”

“Whilst, this donation is aimed at providing immediate life-saving needs, the greatest defence against disease is regular hand washing with soap and running water, drinking safe clean water by boiling it and ensuring food is properly cooked and lactating mothers encouraged to exclusive breastfeed their infants,” he said.

The statement further noted that, the WHO has provided training to health professionals at the national and regional levels in order to prevent, prepare and respond to disease outbreaks which may arise from the floods.

“Additionally, WHO has disseminated information, education and communication (IEC) materials and guidelines on cholera and other epidemic-prone enteric diseases to health professionals and the general public,” the statement said.

In 2014, Ghana witnessed the worst cholera outbreak in history. From June to December 2014, a total of 28,975 cases with 243 deaths (CFR of 0.8%) were reported from 130 districts in all the 10 regions of the country.