The Municipal Health Directorate of the Krowor Municipal Assembly educated listeners at the Latenu radio station (96.1 MHz) to create awareness on the outbreak of cholera. This occurred on Tuesday 8th April 2025.
Madam Sheila Aryee, from the Health Directorate sensitized listeners on the recent outbreak of cholera, its causes, symptoms, preventions and the need to be more proactive towards its treatment.
Madam Aryee explained that cholera is a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, which affects the small intestine. She noted that the incubation period of the bacteria ranges from a few hours to five days. Symptoms typically begin gradually, starting with profuse watery diarrhea, followed by vomiting blood, severe dehydration, muscle cramps, weakness, shock, and in severe cases, organ failure.
She attributed some causes of cholera to poor sanitation and hygiene, human- to – human transmission, contamination of food, contamination of water and flooding and natural disasters. She further emphasized the need to improve sanitation infrastructure in our communities, promote handwashing with soap and water, ensure proper waste management, provide safe drinking water and always disinfect contaminated areas.
Madam Sheila Aryee advised that the Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) which is a lifesaving solution that replaces fluids, electrolytes and salts lost due to cholera be taken from time to time for its treatment or as first aid immediately before medical intervention is sought. The components of the ORS which are water, sodium chloride, glucose, citrate and potassium chloride, helps to support recovery and prevent complications. Madam Sheila took listeners through the process of preparing homemade ORS of which the steps are; mixing one and a half teaspoon of salt and six (6) teaspoons of sugar into 1 liter of clean water and stir. She cautioned that this solution be taken within 24 hours.
Madam Sheila further prompted listeners about the upcoming mosquito net registration and distribution in the various communities geared towards the eradication of malaria in the country. She also mentioned that it will not only be the distribution of the nets but there will be spaying and disinfecting of some places. This she said is a part of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan.
During the call-in segment of the discussion, the first caller suggested and encouraged residents to keep their environment clean. She also asked if the mosquito net distribution was only in Krowor or the whole of Accra? Madam Sheila Responded that the registration will be done in all of Ghana.
The second caller also asked about the porta potty who disposes of their waste in the drains. He was asking if that will cause cholera and if so then they should be banned.
Madam Sheila responded that the porta potty came with chemicals that neutralize the germs and so the waste disposed of is not harmful. The same caller asked about the butchers who sell meat in the markets. They were encouraged to wash their hands not just with water but to add soap to avoid the spread of malaria.
The next caller said she has registered for the net, and she has never received it
Madam Sheila insisted that the nets be delivered all over the town.