Health Ministry and Oxfam educate people on prevention of
epidemics
[July
20, 2005 - 5.00 GMT]
The precautionary
measures initiated by Sri Lankan health authorities and doctors, who
worked round the clock in the aftermath of the 26/12 disaster
effectively arrested the possible post-tsunami epidemics in affected
areas. As early as in January 2005 the World Health Organization’s
South-East Asia Regional Director, Dr Samlee Plianbangchang
congratulated the Sri Lankan authorities for their overall handling of
the crisis, and reiterated WHO’s continued assistance and support,
including its role as health coordinator within the UN family.
Six months after
the tsunami there has been no let up by the health authorities. A public
health awareness campaign has just been concluded by the Ministry of
Health along with Oxfam and its partner organizations to educate the
tsunami affected families on prevention of epidemics.
 In
Matara the campaign began on July 11 with an inter-camp cleaning
competition. Volunteers distributed camp cleaning kits in eight camps
where Oxfam has taken up Public Health programme. Also each of the
households in these camps was given a compost bin for collection of
garbage so that the disposal of waste is easier. Public Health
Assistants and volunteers from the community held discussions with the
residents of these camps on disposal of solid waste.
“There is a lack
of knowledge about public health,’’ said Subhadra Meegasdeniya, Project
Officer Public Health in Matara. “With the help of volunteers and the
ministry of health Oxfam is trying to make people aware of prevention of
epidemics like dengue.”
The campaign in
Matara district concluded with a cricket tournament between five teams
at the Devundara Pradeshya Sabha stadium. All these teams were from
different camps consisting of players affected by the tsunami. Each team
had been given a name related to one of the various components of the
Public Health Programme. The Compost team won the PHP trophy defeating
the Clean Water Team. Solid Waste Management team, Malaria and Dengue
Prevention team and Vector Control team also received trophies for
participating in the tournament.
“Cricket is the
most loved sport in the country, so we decided to have a cricket
tournament to raise awareness about public health,’’ said Edward
Santiago, assistant programme coordinator of Matara. “It attracts people
and also it’s easy for us to convey the key messages.”
Even the players
were extremely thrilled. “Winning or losing does not matter, this is the
first time we got a chance to play a cricket match after the tsunami,’’
said P. K. Priyantha, captain of the winning team and resident of the
Kandagodella camp. “We are grateful to the organizers for giving us this
opportunity. All the teams were very happy.”
An art competition
was held for school children during the awareness week and their
paintings were exhibited at the Devundara Pradeshya Sabha stadium. All
participants in the competition were children from the camps.
 Children
from the camps presented dances and skits at a competition to mark the
end of the campaign. All the plays were scripted and choreographed by
children with assistance from volunteers and staff of Oxfam and its
partner organizations.
In Kilinochchi and
Mullaitivu, government officials and community leaders evaluated the
public health programme of Oxfam undertaken in 17 camps and six
villages. Oxfam has distributed 3,000 hygiene kits, 139 toilet cleaning
kits, 30 camp cleaning kits and other equipment amongst the camps and
villages.
Oxfam’s tsunami
response began soon after the killer waves hit
Sri Lanka’s coastline. In the initial
phase Oxfam provided water and sanitation to the affected communities.
While continuing the water and sanitation programme, Oxfam has also
embarked upon Public Health projects in the camps.
The Public Health
Programme has reached some 50,000 families, with the help of volunteers
drawn from various affected communities. The key components of Oxfam’s
Public Health programme are preventing dengue and other epidemics as
well as facilitating solid waste management.
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Last Updated
Date: July 20, 2005 - 5.00 GMT |
