The people of Kaneshie yesterday, October 1, 2014 had their fair share of education on cholera when Ghanaian actress and TV personality, Joselyn Dumas stormed the Kaneshie market with her ongoing ‘Xcholera Campaign’.
The campaign, which aims at increasing education and awareness on the outbreak of the deadly disease, was received very well by the market folks from beginning to the end.
At the occasion, Joselyn Dumas addressed quite a number of significant issues that could result in contracting cholera. Notwithstanding, she as well gave practical advice on various ways to prevent this deadly disease.
Speaking to the media, the Adams Apple actress said; “I am overwhelmed by the response and turnout here. The people here are very discerning and lovely. Some have taken instant action by cleaning their selling spots after hearing the message.”
Adding, “Not only that, they have pledged to continue doing so, and I pray they do just as they have said. As you can see, aside doing the talking, staging play, teaching them how to prepare ORS and answering their questions, my team and the volunteers.”
She further indicated, “I have approached and interacted with them on individual levels to make sure they grab the message we have for them. This is an attitudinal change exercise, so it will take some time before we see great changes. With regards to that, my team and I will continue to embark on this exercise at various places.”
According to her, it was a move to instill in the people the need to have soaps, and specially hand sanitizers with them wherever they go. “The market women handle dirty money all the time. It is the same hands they use to eat. Even in the absence of soap and clean water, they can use hand sanitizers to cleanse their hands whenever they handle money.”
PRO of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Numo Blafo, who was present at the event, also stressed on the need in keeping the market clean.
According to him, Ghana can only be a cholera-free country if we all do our part in ensuring keeping clean our environments.
In attendance at the event were Mr. Kofi Tsikata (Snr. Communications Specialist at World Bank), Mr. Edmund Kofi Duffour Addae (Managing Director of Kaneshie Market Complex), Patricia Awumey (Health specialist at La Polyclinic), Deborah Vanessa, James Gardner, members of Health Alert Ghana, and a whole lot.
With the support from Ernest Chemist and Lifebuoy, Joselyn distributed free ORS, Lifebuoy anti-bacteria soaps, and hand sanitizers to the traders.