Sanitation struggles and public health concerns in Ghana: insights from Sodom and Gomorrah slum
摘要
This study examines the persistent sanitation challenges and public health concerns in Sodom and Gomorrah, the largest slum in Accra, Ghana. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, the research explores the lived experiences of residents to understand how inadequate sanitation infrastructure, poor waste disposal practices, and socio-economic inequalities exacerbate public health risks. The findings highlight the prevalence of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and genitourinary infections, driven by a lack of access to clean water, proper waste management systems, and sanitary facilities. Additionally, the study accentuates the role of information dynamics in shaping sanitation behaviors and public health outcomes. Applying Mindsponge Theory, the research reveals how residents process, prioritize, and act upon sanitation-related information amidst competing survival priorities. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing informational entropy—uncertainty and inconsistency in health messages—and delivering contextually relevant, culturally sensitive information to promote sustainable hygiene practices. It advocates for a rights-based, participatory governance approach that integrates community-driven sanitation solutions with systemic infrastructure improvements. The study contributes to the broader discourse on urban slums by linking sanitation and public health issues to socio-economic and informational dynamics, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and public health practitioners. These include enhancing sanitation infrastructure, leveraging local social networks for effective information dissemination, and addressing structural inequalities to foster resilience in marginalized communities. By framing Sodom and Gomorrah’s challenges within a global context, this research offers insights into creating sustainable urban environments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 3, 6, and 11.