Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged health professionals, religious leaders, media organizations, and local authorities to intensify public education on cholera prevention as Ghana continues efforts to contain the recent outbreak.

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During a working visit to the Winneba and Swedru municipal hospitals in the Central Region, the Minister observed a decline in cholera cases and expressed satisfaction with the establishment of isolation centers for affected patients.

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He noted that there have been no cholera-related deaths in the past three weeks, indicating that the measures in place are proving effective.

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Addressing residents of Winneba, he emphasized the importance of basic hygiene practices such as drinking clean water, eating hot meals, and washing hands frequently to curb the spread of the disease.

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He also announced the rollout of a free oral cholera vaccination program in high-risk areas, including Ablekuma, Awutu, and Cape Coast. To assure the public of its safety, he took his dose publicly in Ablekuma and encouraged citizens to visit designated health centers for their vaccinations.

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The Minister called on radio stations, religious organizations, local government bodies, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to actively support awareness campaigns on cholera prevention. He also highlighted the role of Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) workers in educating market traders and community members on maintaining hygiene standards.

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Reassuring Ghanaians that the outbreak is under control, he cautioned against open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal, warning that such practices contribute significantly to the spread of cholera.

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Accompanying the Minister on the visit were the acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, the WHO country representative, regional health directors, health workers, and the media, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the nationwide cholera response.

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