Ghana is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has spread across five regions, resulting in 35 deaths and 4,155 suspected cases, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The Western Region has been the hardest hit, with 17 reported deaths and 662,906 individuals vaccinated out of the 792,482 eligible population.
The outbreak, which was first reported in October 2024 in the Ada West and Ada East districts of the Greater Accra Region, has since spread to the Central, Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions.
The GHS has confirmed that most of the fatalities were reported within 24 hours of admission, highlighting the severity of the outbreak.
In response to the crisis, the GHS has activated the National Public Health Emergency Operation Centre and the Public Health Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC) in all affected regions and districts.
These measures aim to prevent the spread of the disease and provide timely medical attention to those affected.
Ghana has a history of cholera outbreaks, with the most severe one occurring in 2016, when over 24,000 cases were recorded nationwide.
However, the country has made significant progress in reducing the incidence of cholera, with only 10 cases reported between 2020 and 2023.
The current outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper sanitation.
The GHS has urged the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist.
-BY Daniel Bampoe