In October 2024, Ghana’s Greater Accra region was hit with a cholera outbreak, which soon spread to four other regions: Central, Eastern, Western, and Ashanti. As of December 23, 2024, the country had reported 4,155 suspected cases and 35 deaths, with the Western Region being the most affected, accounting for 17 deaths.
To combat the outbreak, the Ghana Health Service, led by Director-General Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign in the affected areas. Between November 30 and December 19, 2024, a total of 662,906 people were vaccinated out of the 792,482 eligible population. The campaign was highly successful, with the number of reported cases declining steadily in the vaccinated districts. In fact, Awutu Senya East reported no new cases after the vaccination exercise.
The Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has taken drastic measures to control the outbreak. These efforts include activating emergency operation centers, deploying rapid response teams, and conducting detailed outbreak investigations. Additionally, the service has set up community cholera oral rehydration centers, provided public education on cholera prevention, and assessed access to potable water and environmental sanitation in affected districts.
As the Christmas season approaches, the Ghana Health Service urges citizens to take precautions to prevent the spread of cholera. This includes drinking potable water, eating hot food, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and practicing good hygiene. The service commends all stakeholders for their dedication and commitment to ending the outbreak and assures the public that they will continue to work together to stop the outbreak.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
