SIKAIANA, in the Malaita Outer Islands, is currently facing a diarrhoea outbreak with reports claiming a child had already died as a result.
Reports reaching the Solomon Star claimed that the diarrhoea outbreak is taking its toll on the Malaita outer island of Sikai’ana with many living in a state of panic, especially with the lack of medical assistance, which could result in many more casualties.
“Already one child has died of diarrhoea on Sikai’ana and we are scared many more may follow due to the lack of medical or health resources on the island,” a villager from Sikai’ana told the Solomon Star.
“We do not have any health post or whatsoever and there isn’t any medical professionals around also that can assist those who need medical attention.
“People therefore resort to home medication, mostly herbs and other natural or homemade fluids to help children down with diarrhoea,” the villager said.
He said that clean drinking water is also another problem faced in the island, and a cause of the outbreak.
“People do not have clean drinking water and lack proper hygiene practices, which we believe contributed a whole lot to the outbreak,” he said.
The people are now calling on both Malaita and the national health authorities to address their situation in order to prevent more casualties.
Malaita Provincial Health Director, Dr Hardie Namo could not be reached for comments on the matter.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
