Madam Mercy Needjan, President of Greater Accra Market Women Association, has expressed the need for market women to spearhead in the fight against the cholera outbreak.

She said since cholera has the potential for destroying society it is important for women to take up the challenge of fighting the disease to reduce the menace.

Madam Needjan gave the advice at a forum on: “Market-Based Cholera Durbar” which formed part of the hygiene and sanitation educational programme organised by Accra Metropolitan Assembly and National Disaster Management Organisation.

She said cholera and other communicable diseases are a challenge to market women, hence the need for them to maintain good sanitation.

Mrs Ethel Nettey, Health Promotion Officer of Ussher Polyclinic, said cholera could be dealt with through a number of community-based efforts including educational talks and campaigns in markets, in the various communities.

She expressed concern about the disheartening reports of Ebola disease in neighbouring West African States and urged the market women not to compromise on personal hygiene, adding:: “Without personal hygiene we cannot eradicate the disease.”

She advised the women to wash their hands effectively before eating and keep their environment clean to guard against health hazards.

Mr Mohammed Latiff, Assemblyman for Kinka Electoral Area said it has become obvious that a little education for most of the market women would encourage them to keep their places in the market clean.

He said conscious efforts are being made by the Accra Metro Assembly to create public awareness on the effects of filth and anyone caught littering the environment would be prosecuted.

Mr Latiff said it is the responsibility of traders in the markets to make sanitation and cleanliness part of their everyday activities.