Public Agenda (Accra)
14 March 2008
The Head of the European Union Delegation in Ghana Mr. Filiberto Sebregondi and UNICEF Ghana Country Representative, Dr Yasmin Ali Hsque, have paid a two-day visit to the Northern region to assess the oncoming collaborative efforts to improve availability of safe water and sanitation facilities, and the eradication of Guinea Worm.
During the visit they 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. They also met with beneficiaries of the ongoing projects and traveled to observe a water filtration system to prevent guinea worm infection. They also visited 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.
Accompanied by popular Ghanaian musician Rocky Dawuni , they later interacted with the local press about the visit and the project. In the evening, they joined thousands of other music fans from around the region at the newly built Tamale Stadium for the Rocky Dawuni Independence Day Splash, which also featured popular regional musicians.
The project began in June 2007 when UNICEF Ghana received a pledge of Euro 15 million 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 Euro 20 million has been pledged for the project over four years, which includes a Euro 5 million contribution from UNICEF.
Developed in consultation with all stakeholders, a key objective of the project is the eradication of guinea worm in the Northern region. The project has just completed a six month inception period which includes; setting up the basic structures and equipment, hiring and training of necessary staff, and assessments and fact-finding activities for the successful implementation of the project.
The EU further supported humanitarian relief efforts during the devastating floods late last year in the Upper East, Northern and Upper West regions that damaged crops and farmland, water supply systems and sources, and schools and health facilities.
In consultation with the Government and other partners, UNICEF set up an emergency response plan to focus on the urgent humanitarian and some early recovery needs for 75,300 people most affected by the floods. This included 20,000 children less than five years of age and pregnant women. With financial support of Euro250,000 from the European Commission Directorate for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), flood affected populations have received or are benefiting from the following to date:
· 20,000 long lasting Insecticide Treated Bed nets to prevent outbreaks of malaria
· 50,000 courses of anti-malaria drugs
· 100,000 water purification tablets (each can purify one gallon of water)
· 5,000 ceramic filters to ensure safe water for household use
· 70 Nira hand pumps are being installed on boreholes to ensure continuous water supply.
UNICEF and partners continue to provide services and training to community volunteers in the Northern regions; to increase awareness on clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and prevention of diseases, particularly malaria, diarrhea and guinea worm.
UNICEF is proud to be a partner with the Regional and District agencies and greatly appreciates the support of the European Commission. Special appreciation and thanks to Rocky Dawuni for his keen interest in these issues and his efforts to mobilize people.
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