SAEMA set-ups committee on cholera

Sekondi, April 14, GNA - The Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) has set up a committee to monitor a reported outbreak of cholera in some parts of the metropolis and offer quick response when necessary.

Mr Alex Adu-Boahen, Shama-Ahanta East Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), announced this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sekondi on Thursday.

He said the committee consisted of representatives of NADMO, Environmental Health Division of SAEMA, Ghana Health Service and the Information Services Department.

Mr Adu-Boahen said so far, 32 cholera cases had been reported at health facilities in the metropolis and that five of the victims had died of the disease.

He said most of cholera cases occurred in the Shama Sub-Metropolitan Area.

Mr Adu-Boahen said the Metropolitan Office of NADMO had embarked on an education programme against the disease in endemic areas. The areas included Shama, Beposo, Awuna beach, Bosomdo and Atrebada.

Cholera is caused by filth and the education is concentrated on personal hygiene and community cleanliness.

Mr Adu-Boahen advised members of the public to wash hands thoroughly with soap after visiting the toilet and before eating. Vegetables and fruits should also be washed before they are eaten. He suggested that churches holding Easter conventions should set up Oral Dehydration Centres to treat diarrhoea cases.

Mr Adu-Boahen urged the public to be careful about food from vendors.