The Ghana Health Service has recorded 21 cases of deaths related to cholera in different regions in Ghana.
The Western Regional Director of Health Service revealed that so far 14 deaths have been recorded in the Western region.
Affected Areas
Theses deaths as the director said mostly occurred within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and Effia-Kwesimintsim municipality.
Dr. Yeboah, the Western Regional Director of Health Services said “Currently, about 8 districts have reported cholera cases and I must say that up till now, the facilities within these 8 districts, have managed over 800 cases and that is a lot…“We have lost 14 people so far, currently, the epicentre is Sekondi-Takoradi and adjoining districts, Shama and Ahanta West. We’re appealing to everybody to take the basic precautions. It’s so important if we don’t do that we’re going to lose more people, so please personal hygiene is very important, we must wash our hands, and the food we eat must be warm. As soon as anybody gets these symptoms, he/she must report to the nearest health facility.”
Vaccination Program
In light of this, the health service is set to begin a cholera vaccination campaign
The service announced in a media briefing that the campaign is set for 30 November to 3 Dec, 2024.
The Director-General, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, spoke about the severe problems that cholera poses everywhere, especially in Ghana. He emphasized that places with inadequate sanitation and little access to clean water are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cholera. Health officials have taken successful steps to combat the illness, including enhancing sanitation, guaranteeing access to clean drinking water, and encouraging basic personal hygiene. While the oral cholera vaccine is essential for controlling cholera outbreaks, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye stressed that it should be used in conjunction with other control measures rather than in place of them.
Furthermore, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye declared that beginning on December 1st of this year, a second dosage of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) will be added to the regular immunization schedule. Children seven months and older will benefit from this dose’s added polio protection.
Mr. Frank Lule, the Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), said “cholera is a highly contagious illness and remains a significant global health threat. If left untreated, cholera can lead to death. Therefore, deploying vaccines in affected areas is crucial for controlling and breaking the outbreak”. He assured the public that the vaccine is safe and effective, urging communities in affected areas to take advantage of the exercise.
Hotspots
Three hotspot sub-districts in the Awutu Senya East District of the Central Region—Akwelley, Kasoa North, and Odupong Kpehe—that have been identified as the outbreak’s epicenter will be the focus of the house-to-house cholera vaccination campaign. The campaign’s initial phase is scheduled to begin on November 30 and end on December 3, 2024. In addition to current preventive measures, the vaccine will be given to people two years of age and older as an extra layer of protection.
Source: Ghana Health Service
