Accra mayor attributed reduction in cholera cases to success of NSD

The Mayor of Accra Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije says 2015 cholera statistics is evidence of the success of the National Sanitation Day Exercise.

He explains that only 34 cholera cases were recorded last year representing a significant improvement against 2014 which he attributes to the intensification of the National Sanitation Day Exercise.

Speaking to pressmen after the observation of the NSD in Accra Mr. Vanderpuije mentioned that measures have also been instituted to avoid loss of lives through flooding as the rains prepare to set in.

The Greater Accra Region recorded over 20,500 cases of cholera between June 2014 and February 2015. Out of the figure, 121 deaths were recorded. This, according to medical doctors was the single largest outbreak in the history of Ghana.

Government in November 2014 therefore initiated the National Sanitation Day Exercise to instil and encourage good personal hygiene as well as improve environmental sanitation in the country.

On the eve of Ghana's 59th Independence Day, the Country observed the 17th edition of the NSD and the Mayor of Accra attributed the reduction in cholera cases to the success of the National Sanitation Day Exercise.

"In 2014, we had over 24,000 cases of cholera nationwide and lost over 600 lives, the story is different this time with Accra recording only 34 cases, this means the exercise has paid off", the Mayor intimated.

He stressed that the local government authorities remain committed to creating a sanitary environment and reducing disease cases in the country.

Mr. Vanderpuije indicated that the launch of the tricycle concept president Mahama and the collaboration of waste management experts Zoomlion will go a long way to improve sanitation in Ghana.

The AMA boss added that measures including the dredging of the Odaw and the Korle among others will help prevent the loss of lives through flooding as was witnessed on June 3rd last year.

He called for increased community participation saying that sanitation is a shared responsibility and everyone must play their roles to improve sanitation and prevent avoidable diseases.

The Accra Zonal Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Ltd. Gershon Sogbey said the rapid population growth and changes in people’s lifestyles had led to an escalation in the production of solid waste in the country and, therefore, the company had improved upon its manual tricycle waste collection to a motorized version.

He reiterated Zoomlion's Commitment to the NSD explaining that the company will continue to provide, logistics and equipment’s as well as human resource to boost the capacity of MMDAs to collect waste.