By Enock Akonnor enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Officials of Muslim Family Counseling Services (MFCS) have heightened a public health action to prevent and manage debilitating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) within the Bawku Municipality.
Through the implementation of a ANESVAD Foundation funded project dubbed: “Multi Faith Action To Address NTDs in Bawku Area” which is a WASH-based intervention, they have successfully constructed two mechanised boreholes at Sagabu and Zabugu communities.
They have also provided hand washing facilities for basic schools and health facilities in the area within the phase of the project.
Construction of additional two mechanised boreholes is ongoing, all aimed at making water available to encourage hand washing among residents in the area so as protect them again skin related diseases.
Among the 10 selected beneficiary schools are;
1. Manga JHS ‘A’
2.Kpalwega JHS
3.Gingande JHS
4.Wiidi JHS
5.Mustaphiat JHS
6.Winamzua JHS ‘A’
7.Zoogo JHS
8.Mognori JHS
9.Zabugu JHS
10.Kuka JHS
Beneficiary communities include;
1.Nyorugu
2.Kpalwega
3.Wiidi
4.Daduri
5.Patelme
6.Sabon Gari
7.Zoogo
8.Mognori
9.Zabugu
10.Bugri corner
Programs Manager for MFCS, Tijani Mahmoud indicated that public sensitization and training on hygiene and regular hand washing with water and soap have also been held.
He said that the implementation of the project within Bawku was necessitated by a study by MFCS that several communities within Bawku area rely on unsafe water supplies and also lack access to basic hand washing facilities to practice personal hygiene.
He underlined that the execution of the 2-year project is premised on the fact that control of NTDs and management of NTD-related disabilities relies heavily on access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
