Cholera outbreak: 719 cases confirmed, 49 deaths recorded
Ghana has recorded a total of 6,145 cholera cases with 719 confirmed cases and 49 deaths, since the outbreak began in October, last year, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said yesterday.
Providing an update on the outbreak in Parliament, yesterday, he said the disease, which first broke in Ada West, in the Greater Accra Region, has now spread to the Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern regions, raising concerns about sanitation and access to clean water.
Mr Akandoh stated that while cholera cases had been widespread, the situation was improving, with active cases now concentrated in the Central Region.
He revealed that the hardest-hit districts; Agona West and Effutu, had reported a decline in new cases, with only 28 active cases of those on admission as of February 16.
“The decline in cases is a testament to the relentless efforts of our healthcare workers and partners who have been implementing a robust response plan,” he added.
Mr Akandoh noted that Ghana had taken critical steps to curb the outbreak, including vaccinating 257,370 people in Ablekuma, Asiedu Keteke and Okaikoi, in the Greater Accra Metropolitan area.
Additionally, he revealed that approval had been secured for vaccination to begin in Agona West in the Central Region.
Mr Akandoh emphasised that vaccination was a key intervention alongside other measures such as heightened surveillance, strengthened laboratory testing, and the establishment of cholera treatment centres in affected districts.
Despite these efforts, the minister acknowledged that poor sanitation, open defecation, and erratic water supply continued to fuel the spread of cholera.
Mr Akandoh urged local authorities to enhance sanitation measures, ensuring that water sources were protected from contamination.
“Cholera persists because of poor sanitation, unsafe water, and unhygienic food. It requires a multi-sectoral approach to bring it under control,” he stated.
Mr Akandoh further announced that the government had launched public education campaigns, to inform communities about cholera prevention and control.
He said that oral cholera vaccines had been deployed in high-risk areas, and environmental assessments were ongoing to address sanitation challenges.
Mr Akandoh stressed the need for improved coordination between health authorities, and local government structures to enhance response efforts.
He called for more support for community health nurses, who play a crucial role in educating the public on hygiene and disease prevention.
“Everyone, especially community nurses, will be provided with the needed resources to intensify education about cholera, and we will ensure that,” Mr Akandoh assured.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, to prevent disease outbreaks and safeguard public health.
Mr Akandoh said that long-term solutions, including improved sanitation, food and water safety, and personal hygiene, were essential in eliminating cholera from the country.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
