The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has launched a nationwide public health education campaign following the recent floods, warning that such disasters can increase the risk of water-borne disease outbreaks if preventive measures are not taken.
Speaking after visiting victims affected by the heavy rains, the Minister said the government is taking proactive steps to avert a potential public health crisis.
He explained that although disease outbreaks do not occur after every flood, past experience has shown that flooding often creates conditions for the spread of illnesses, particularly during the rainy season.
Mr. Akandoh cautioned that floodwaters contaminated with sewage and refuse can expose communities to diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid and malaria, stressing the need for heightened public awareness and preventive action.
As part of the campaign, the Minister urged the public to observe good hygiene practices, including washing hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitiser, drinking only safe and potable water, eating cooked food while it is still hot, and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
He also assured the public that the government is supplying health facilities with essential medical commodities, including Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and intravenous fluids, to help manage dehydration and other complications associated with water-borne diseases.
The Minister encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms of illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting or fever to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
To strengthen prevention efforts, he said the Ministry of Health will intensify public education by deploying Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and health centres into affected communities to conduct sensitisation campaigns aimed at preventing outbreaks before they occur.
