WE SHOULD SAVOUR THE ERADICATION OF GUINEA WORM INFECTIONS IN GHANA.


I felt a sense of pride within me when news broke out
that Ghana has finally, after many failed attempts been able to completely
eradicate guinea worm infections from its territory. Thus, from henceforth we
are no longer going to be classified as part of countries on the African
continent with cases of guinea worm infections.

So the colourful durbar that was held in the Northern
region and graced by the Vice President, John Dramani Mahama and other
traditional leaders deserves to be celebrated to the fullest because Ghana as a
country has come very far in realizing this dream.

This feat has become very possible due to the
commitment exhibited by successive governments that have ruled this nation who
made it their priority to rid Ghana from this water borne disease. Under no
circumstance should politicians attach political connotations to this good news
that we are basking in.
My admonition stems from the fact that any policy that
will improve the well-being of Ghanaians tends to be politicized to the extent
that we lose sight of the true benefit of what is being proposed. Policies such
as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), National Identification,
Affordable Housing Project, STX Housing Project, and recently, the proposals by
government to purchase five aircrafts for the military all bear testament to my
assertions.

I will first and foremost commend all guinea worm
victims who came forward to receive treatment from centers dotted around the
country, the National Guinea Worm Eradication Programme, deserve a big pat on
the back for their tireless dedication and the hard work they invested into the
eradication programme, the Ministry of Health and particularly the Mills-led
administration
for continuing the fight that the erstwhile Kufour administration started in
this regard.
Though, we should savour the good news for now, we
should be very mindful of the fact that the real battle to fight now is the
provision of good drinking water to communities where the guinea worm infection
was prevalent, and the continued education of people not to drink or bath
contaminated water or else, another outbreak that will erode all the successes
chalked.

Now that guinea worm is now history, government should
now focus its attention to the complete eradication of ailments like Measles,
Meningitis, Hepatitis B, Polio and others. This will go a long way to save the
country the thousands of Ghana cedis invested by government to purchase drugs
to combat these ailments. All hands should therefore be on deck so as to
realize the dream of Ghana free of cases of measles, meningitis, hepatitis B,
polio, and others.

A wealthy nation the old adage says is determined by
the health of its people, therefore we should strive to do better than what we
have immediately achieved, provided we do away with the political colouration
of issues of national concern.

ERIC OTENG JESSE
SANTA MARIA, ACCRA
CT3652 CANTONMENTS- ACCRA.