Regional health threats

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The Republic of Guinea’s Ministry of Health reported 580 cases of cholera in the first seven months of 2005, 32 of which were fatal. Siguiri mine, situated in the north-west of the country, about 850 kilometres from the coastal capital of Conakry, embarked on a cholera education and awareness campaign at the mine and in neighbouring communities to assist in efforts to curb cholera outbreaks. One of five prefectures located in the Kankan region of the country, Siguiri covers an area of 15,500km2 and has an estimated population of about 350,000.

Although cholera can be successfully treated with a number of interventions if reported in the early stages of the disease, the mine aims to reduce significantly the incidence of cholera through prevention. Inroads have already been made through Siguiri’s first private radio station, which was made possible through funding of $120,000 from Siguiri mine. This funding is a portion of the 0.04% of Siguiri’s annual mine gross profits, and part of the overall royalty, that government legislates be allocated to investment and community relations projects. Siguiri Radio Locale covers a number of community-related topics which include health and sanitation, road safety, agriculture, small business, folk music and literature, and Islamic teachings. The rural radio station is being used to transmit education and awareness messages on cholera prevention, often reaching beyond the Siguiri footprint so that, in effect, an even greater number of people benefit from the campaign.

During 2005, a seven-person medical outreach team, headed by the mine’s medical officer was given the task of carrying out a comprehensive anti-cholera education programme, once again aimed at both mine employees and the greater Siguiri district. Set against a backdrop of strengthening relations with Siguiri’s neighbouring communities, a delegation comprising professionals from the Koron Medical Centre, representatives from the public and community affairs department of the Siguiri Prefect and journalists from Siguiri’s local radio station visited 18 villages in Boure, a gold mining zone that attracts small-scale and artisanal miners.

The campaign's key education and awareness messages focused on the causes of cholera, its treatment and prevention with an emphasis on hygiene, including washing fruit and vegetables before eating; washing hands before eating; covering foodstuffs to prevent contamination from flies and air-borne germs; and ensuring proper waste disposal so as not to attract house flies.

Over a 15-day period between 24 October and 8 November 2005, the delegation met with mine employees, as well as the local authorities, village chiefs and elders of the region’s various districts and sectors: Siguiri, Kintinian, Setiguiya, Kamatiguiya, Kourani, Doubaya, Diaraya, Balato, Fatoya, Boukaria, Samani, Kofilani, Kourouda, Fenserekolen, Silabada, Kolenda, Tintisabani, Linkekoro and Cite Koron.

Participants took the opportunity, during the workshops, to apprise the delegation of each community's specific infrastructural needs which would assist in successful cholera prevention and general community upliftment. They included drilling more boreholes to allow year-round access to water, and the construction of clinic facilities, schools and roads. Following the campaign the delegation informed Siguiri mine management of these requests, which would contribute both to closer relations between the mine and communities and to the socio-economic development of Siguiri and the Boure zone. The mine assured the communities that it will continue to invest in social programmes that will enhance the lives of its employees and neighbouring societies.