The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is ramping up vaccination and awareness campaigns as a cholera outbreak claims 40 lives and affects over 6,000 people nationwide.

0

The outbreak, which started in Ada East, Greater Accra, in October 2024, has since spread to coastal regions and parts of the Eastern and Ashanti regions.

1

Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Head of Prevention and Control at the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), told JoyNews that many victims passed away before reaching medical facilities.

2

“Many victims died before they could be admitted to the hospital. They waited, hoping the diarrhoea would subside on its own,” he said.

3

He detailed the spread of the outbreak: “We initially recorded cases in Ada East in October, which then spread to Ada West before returning to Ada East. We also noticed isolated cases in other parts of Greater Accra, including Ga South, Kasoa, and Katamanso,” he said.

4

As the outbreak expanded, GHS responded by launching vaccination campaigns.

5

“When the epicentre shifted from Ada East to Ada West, we had to intervene. That’s when the vaccination programme was initiated,” he added.

6

The situation worsened around Christmas, with a sharp increase in cases in the Western Region, especially in Shama District and Takoradi.

7

“During the Christmas period, we saw a notable rise in cases in the Western Region, particularly in Takoradi and Shama District. The number of confirmed cases has now exceeded 6,000,” he stated. “Although not all deaths have been confirmed as cholera-related, any outbreak with symptoms resembling diarrhoea is classified as cholera. Sadly, over 40 people have died.”

8

Dr. Amponsa-Achiano also stressed the need to tackle the root causes of cholera, especially water and sanitation issues.

9

"When an outbreak occurs, we conduct extensive investigations, including community engagement, health education, and communication," he explained.

10

"We are working closely with local authorities to enforce sanitation laws and ensure access to clean water. Vaccination is just one part of our response," he noted.

11

The key issue is water and sanitation, and once that is addressed, we can address the root cause of cholera,” he said.

12

He confirmed that vaccination efforts have been intensified, especially in high-risk areas like Awutu Senya East in the Central Region.

13

“Vaccination is crucial, but we must also address the underlying factors causing the outbreak. We’ve already started vaccination efforts in Awutu Senya East,” he concluded.

14