STATEMENT ON EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON CHILD HEALTH IN COMMUNITIES DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF AKOSOMBO DAM.

The Paediatric Society of Ghana notes with concern the flooding that has occurred in the communities along the lower Volta River basin as a result of the spillage of the Akosombo Dam. There have been disturbing videos and images of the devastating effects these floods have caused with its resultant loss of properties, income, disruption of schooling for children and access to healthcare services.

Families which include many children have been displaced and lack shelter and adequate clothing to protect them from harsh weather conditions and vector-bourne diseases. There is also a risk of this causing children to miss their immunisation and a potential for an increase in diarrhoeal diseases, pneumonia and malaria. These are all serious illnesses which lead to mortality in children.

The entire leadership and membership of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, sympathizes with all families and communities who have been affected by this flooding. 

We commend the efforts of the government of Ghana and its agencies, our affiliate, the Ghana Medical Association, Non-governmental organisations and other key stakeholders who are working hard to provide support to the displaced families.

The members of our society are working with the medical teams to provide healthcare services to affected children in these communities.

We add our voices to calls for support by the Ghana Medical Association and other agencies that are working to bring some relief to these displaced families and encourage corporate bodies, our development partners and Ghanaians to donate to support the relief efforts that are underway.