Mr. Abraham Dunu Gombbey, a Public Health Officer from the Pru East Health Directorate who was among the twenty health personnel from across the country in the second cohort of the Emergency Preparedness and Response to Pandemic short course has gifted seedlings to his alma mater and surrounding communities.
Climate hazards have been known to aggravate infectious diseases, both directly and indirectly.
The slow rise in temperature gradually changes the likelihood of disease transmission as environmental conditions become more favourable for certain disease vectors.
These and many were among the insights revealed at the just ended short course on Emergency Preparedness and Response to Pandemic (EMPRESS) by the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, KNUST in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.
Excitedly, Mr. Abraham Dunu Gombbey grasped these realities and thought of ways to work with them.
“We were taught in class that climate change can lead to pandemic and epidemic diseases. We also talked about SDG 13 which focuses on climate change.
“Planting of trees also helps in absorption of carbon dioxide. I have then made it a point to get these trees planted,” he said.
In collaboration with Dunukope Youth Association and South Tongu District Forestry Commission, Mr. Gombbey therefore decided to give back to his alma mater by presenting 455 seedlings of Royal Palm Trees, Mahogany and Polliata to Dzetorkoe Basic School where he had his basic education. He again presented some of the seedlings to a nearby town, Dunukope and some individuals in other communities.
He added: “The donated trees will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the school grounds but also create a welcoming and natural environment. Furthermore, they will serve as boundaries, preventing potential land encroachment on the school premises and providing protection against potential structural damage caused by heavy winds.”
Mr. Gombbey therefore plans to do this annually.
Emergency Preparedness and Response to Pandemic short course seeks to equip participants with the requisite skills to respond effectively to emergencies and pandemics.
The workshop is carried out by the Health Employment pillar of the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, KNUST led by Dr. Kofi Akohene Mensah.