BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Director of Western Province’s Health and Medical Services, Dickson Boara, urges communities across the province to prioritise post-disaster planning to prevent the spread of diseases following recent natural disasters.
He stressed that maintaining good health practices after a disaster is critical, warning that poor conditions often lead to a rise in illnesses such as malaria and diarrhoea.
“Health is very important, and preventive measures are paramount during this time,” Boara said.
He said contaminated water sources are a major concern after disasters, often leading to diarrhoeal diseases.
Boara strongly advise communities to boil all drinking water to ensure it is safe for consumption as a precaution.
He also said that Malaria is a growing issue in the aftermath of disasters, with cases already reported to be high in some areas.
Boara encouraged residents to stay warm and consistently sleep under mosquito nets to reduce the risk of infection.
He called on people to make safety a priority in all aspects of daily life as recovery efforts continue.
Mr Boara advised contacting the health advice line on 60906 for support.
“For those requiring medical guidance, especially individuals with long-term or chronic conditions, call 60906.
“People who seek health and medical services can also call this number and our experts will be there to help,” he said.
Boara said health issues such as malaria and diarrhoea commonly increase after natural disasters making preparedness and preventive action essential for community wellbeing.
He said his office will continue to monitor the situation closely while working to support affected communities across Western Province.
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