Yendi, (N/R) July 7, GNA - A two-day workshop on information, education and communication in trachoma control organised by the Yendi District Health Administration for teachers and environmental workers in Yendi District has ended.

The topics discussed included, causes of trachoma, communication, factors of vaccination, and communication skills for behavioural change. In his closing address, the Yendi District Director of Health Service, Dr. Sampson Aning-Abankwah said trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness in developing countries.

Dr Abankwah said the disease thrives well in areas where there is poor environmental sanitation, poor personal hygiene, lack of water and lots of flies.

According to the medical doctor, it is transmitted from one person to the other through direct contact and also by flies. He said flies seek discharging eyes and running nose thus transmitting the germ from one person to another.

Dr Abankwah noted that teachers and environmental officers have a major role to play in trachoma control.

He said teachers as agent of change could impact the knowledge on trachoma control to their pupils who in turn would disseminate the information to their parents when they go home after school. He said environmental officers on their part are responsible for ensuring clean environment wherever they are.

The Principal Facilitator, Alhaji A.B. Fuseini who took them through the workshop charged the participants to put what they have learnt into practice.

Alhaji Fuseini said they are also expected to lobby their District Assembly for the provision of potable water in their communities, since this would not only help control trachoma, but other water-borne diseases, including guinea worm, which is a problem in the district.