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Civil Conflicts Open Way for Communicable Diseases

Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra)
NEWS
February 7, 2003
Posted to the web February 8, 2003

By Linda Akrasi

Situations like the just ended conflict in Sierra Leone, the renewed fighting
in Liberia and the crisis in Cote d'Ivoire do not only cause casualties and
disrupt economies of the countries involved, but also have the tendency of
destabilizing the economies of other countries in the regions and create
humanitarian crisis which have lasting effects on the population even long
after the wars are over.
These crises affect he health of people. The incidence of communicable diseases
such as malaria, cholera, meningitis, fever and tuberculosis tend to increase
among people in watrorn situations.
The deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Moses Dani Baah, made this statement when he
opened the meeting on health sector response to humanitarian crisis in West
Africa.
He noted that participants should have the opportunity to review and discuss
health aspects related to the humanitarian situation of the affected countries
and also analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the country teams in
responding to such crises.
He advised that although a lot of work has been done in the area of crisis
management, he is of the belief that the first hurdle should have a clearer
understanding of the situation that confronts the sub region, adding that there
is the need to identify who the vulnerable groups are so that they can be
mobilized and at the same time seek the necessary help for them.
In order to manage the crises effectively, Mr.Dani Baah said there is the need
to analyze health information, define trend and households and provide early
warning mechanisms.
He was of the hope that the issues raised would have to be dealt with when it
comes to humanitarian crisis with the experiences available. He added although
some might not be pleasant nations should be able to fashion out pragmatic
plans to deal with the looming health difficulties in the sub region.
In a welcome address the World Health Organization (WHO) country
representative, Dr. Melville George, said the distressed living conditions of
displaced communities and the disruption of the health system caused by
humanitarian situations increases the severity of the endemic diseases in terms
of morbidity and mortality.
He stated that the objectives of WHO are to reduce the health impact of the
crisis and reduce the suffering resulting from such situation.
He added that they would as much as they can retain as first strategy, the
strengthening of the national health system and its reinforcement respond to
additional need.

   

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