After two decades of committed joint efforts from the Ghanaian government and international partners, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) are delighted that the World Health Organisation has certified Ghana as free of the Guinea-Worm disease.
With its programme entitled “Integrated Approach to Guinea Worm Eradication through Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene in Northern Region, Ghana (IWASH) Programme, EU contributed EUR 15 million to combat the eradication of the Guinea worm disease in Ghana?
Further to a meeting of the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis ? known as guinea-worm disease ? the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that Ghana is now certified free of dracunculiasis. This is the second country after Nigeria ? which was certified in December 2013 ? to get rid of the water-borne disease.
EU Ambassador, William Hanna said: “It is great news that Ghanaians are now able to live in a country free of the guinea-worm disease. This proves that, with combined efforts and prevention measures, including wider access to drinkable water, it is possible to make a difference to the lives of many people”.
Transmitted by drinking contaminated water, the illness affects in particular deprived communities in Africa, such as Chad, and previously Ethiopia, Mali and South Sudan. The disease can be prevented by providing wider access to clean water. Affected people are often unable to go to work or attend school, which aggravates poverty levels.
Ghana UNICEF Representative, Ms Susan Ngongi offered: ?congratulations to Ghana for this significant achievement and for ensuring that Ghanaian children and parents will no longer be at risk of this debilitating disease.?
Ghana counted over 179 000 cases in 1989 and the last case was reported in May 2010 thanks to considerable joint efforts made by the Government of Ghana with international development partners. Together with UNICEF, the European Union as part of its Integrated Water and Sanitation Health (IWASH) Programme supported the Ghanaian government to work toward eradicating the disease.
“Ghana’s achievement should inspire the four remaining endemic countries to achieve the target of zero transmission”, said Dr Abdul Al-Awadi, Chair of the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis (ICCDE).
