KUMASI ABATTOIRE SENSITIZED T EBA, CHOLERA

As part of the ongoing awareness creation on the Ebola virus, the Ashanti Regional Health directorate has organized a sensitization forum for Management and staff of the Kumasi Abattoir Company Limited. 

The forum enabled the health service providers to educate staff on the causes, modes of infection and transmission, symptoms, effects and treatment of the virus as well as how they can avoid contracting it. They were also sensitized to measures that have been put in place by the government to contain the disease if it is detected in Ghana.

 In a presentation, the Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, Emmanuel Badu said the disease now exists in six countries and that more that 10 thousand people have so far been infected. Out of this number, four thousand 922 of the victims have died.  

Mr. Badu maintained that, the Ebola virus disease is deadly saying that it is only contracted if a person comes into direct physical contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person whether alive of dead. Mr. Badu stressed that since the incubation period is between five and 21 days, it is advisable that everyone takes personal responsibility of his or her health while ensuring personal hygiene including washing hands with soap under running water to protect themselves against the disease. Again, people must be careful of the bush meat they consume. He disclosed that the Kumasi South Hospital at Atonsu Agogo has been designated as the treatment center for the disease. 

The PRO said for now, the disease cannot be cured with traditional medicine. He disclosed that, since the virus can stay in a semen for 61 days, enough condoms would be provided to men who be cured of the disease to avoid its transfer to other people. 

Responding to questions, Mr. Badu assured that people who travel into Ghana through the entry points would be properly screened before they would be allowed entry into the country. 

He used the occasion to encourage the public not to create fear and panic when they suspect anyone to be infected with the virus, particularly people who migrate from the affected countries. 

On cholera, the Regional Environmental Health Officer, Paul Akanabar entreated the staff to ensure that waste is disposed of properly, eat healthy foods, drink safe water as well as keep their environment clean. 

The managing Director of the Kumasi Abattoir, Joe Owusu Boadi the Ghana Health Service for educating the staff of the Abattoir on the two dreadful diseases.