Accra, March 10, GNA - Mr. Filiberto Sebregondi, Head of the European Union Delegation and Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF Ghana Country Representative, have undertaken on a two-day tour to the Northern Region to assess ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at improving availability of safe water and sanitation facilities to eradicate guinea worm infections.

A statement issued by UNICEF in Accra on Monday said during the visit from March 5 to 6, the delegation met with the Northern Regional Minister Alhaji Mustafa Ali Iddris, local government officials, partner agencies and NGOs in Tamale, Tolon-Kumbungu and Savelugu-Nanton districts.

It said, they met with beneficiaries of the ongoing projects and travelled to observe a water filtration system, a containment treatment centre for guinea worm patients and a rural community initiative preventing open defecation and building latrines through the Community-Led Total Sanitation project.

They were accompanied by renowned Ghanaian musician Rocky Dawuni who joined thousands of music fans and other musicians for an Independence Day Splash at the Tamale stadium on March 6.

According to the statement, the project began in June 2007 when UNICEF Ghana received a pledge of 15 million euros from the Ghana Delegation of the European Commission in response to a project titled "Integrated Approach to Guinea Worm Eradication through Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene in the Northern Region, Ghana". A total of 20 million euros had been pledged for the project over four years, which included a five-million euros contribution from UNICEF.

It said the project has completed a six-month inception period which included the setting up of the basic structures and equipment, hiring and training of necessary staff, assessments and fact-finding activities for the successful implementation of the project. UNICEF said it was proud to partner regional and district agencies and greatly appreciated the support of the European Commission and thanked Rocky Dawuni for his keen interest in these issues,