The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment is taking measures to put in place the required policy, institutional and implementation frameworks that would give a clear direction on effective sanitation service delivery in the country. As part of the steps being taken, the Draft Revised National Environmental Sanitation Policy has been put before Cabinet for consideration while a National Strategy and Implementation Plan is being developed and would be ready by the end of 2008. Mr. Kwadwo Agyei Darko, sector Minister disclosed this at Sumbrungu near Bolgatanga in a speech read on his behalf by Mrs. Agnes Chigabatia, Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, during the opening of the 5th National Quadrennial Congress of Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association (GEHOA). Mr. Agyei Darko explained that over the years, so many resources had been committed by Government and other Development Partners to promoting Environmental Sanitation, yet the needed impact had not been made, thus the need to change the strategy to the approach in handling sanitation issues as a nation. He noted that sanitation played a critical role in the health, economic and social well-being of the people and would hinder the achievement of some of the Millennium Development Goals if not given the necessary attention. Mr. Agyei Darko said that many diseases like malaria, typhoid fever, worm infections and cholera reported to health institutions were sanitation related, saying, “It has been proved, time and again that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other critical national programmes intended to accelerate school attendance is likely to fail if sanitation related issues are not handled with the urgency and importance they deserve”. He urged the Environmental Health Officers to put up their best and let their work show in the sanitation of the country, and assured them that the Ministry was exploring all opportunities of support to build the capacities of field Officers to meet the current challenges, through career development and progression. He said the Environmental Health Assistants would be given the opportunity to undertake modular courses while the students would have a chance to do a Diploma in water and sanitation at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). “When the Environmental Health Officer conducts his duties judiciously, it is estimated that improved sanitation in our communities could reduce diarrhoea-related diseases in young children by more than one-third. If hygiene promotion is added, such as teaching them on proper hand washing, it could be reduced by two thirds. It would also help accelerate economic and social development in the towns and cities where poor sanitation is a major cause for lost work and school days because of illness”, he said. Mr. Clement Kaba Bawina, outgoing President, GEHOA, called on the Association to unite and work for a common goal that would benefit every member. He noted that the poor communication between management and the Regions and Districts was not good, as it created tension, mistrust and apathy. Mr. Bawina urged all members to plant a tree each and ensure that it survives and also encourage the people they interact with in their work and neighbourhood to plant trees to improve the environment. The five-day congress is on the theme, “Environmental Sanitation for Dignity, Health, Poverty Reduction and Development” and has attracted 250 delegates from all over the country. Mr. Abednego Chigumbu, Officer in-charge of the sanitation and hygiene sector of UNICEF, advised all Environmental Health Workers to be committed, dedicated and selfless in their approach to work. He asked them to reflect on the theme of the congress and let it be their guide. Source: GNA