By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, July 7, GNA – Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, has urged parents to protect children from disease and trauma following recent floods, warning of increased risks of infections and psychological distress.
She said children rescued from floodwaters should undergo medical assessment for injuries, respiratory complications and infections caused by contaminated water.
Those who experienced the floods should also receive psychological support to help prevent anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress, she noted.
Dr Boye, a paediatrician, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that, aside from flood-related injuries, the ongoing cold and rainy season was already contributing to increased cases of common colds, coughs, pneumonia, ear infections and diarrhoeal diseases among children.
She advised parents to keep children warm, provide balanced and nutritious meals, ensure their routine vaccinations were up to date, encourage frequent handwashing with soap and clean water, and discourage children from playing in the rain or walking through floodwaters.
“Protecting children during this season goes beyond treating illness. Prevention at home, in schools and within communities remains the best defence,” Dr Boye said.
She called for collective action to improve sanitation, protect the environment and reduce flooding, stressing that safeguarding children’s health required the commitment of families, schools, communities and government.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Samira Larbie
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