Accra: The Director of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene during the flooding and rainy season to prevent a cholera outbreak. He stressed the importance of being cautious about food and water consumption, as these are critical factors in preventing the spread of the disease.
According to Ghana Web, despite the subsiding floods in some parts of the country, Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe emphasized that the risk of cholera remains due to persistent conditions that favor the disease's spread. Cholera is closely linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation, making it crucial for the public to maintain high hygiene standards.
Speaking on 3 FM, Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe cautioned against complacency in the aftermath of the floods, urging people to remain careful about their food and water choices. He highlighted that the assumption that the risk decreases after flooding is misguided and stressed the ongoing need for vigilance.
He drew attention to the fact that countries with access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation have largely eliminated cholera. However, Ghana still faces challenges in these areas. As a practical measure, he advised regular handwashing with soap and clean water, identifying it as the most effective and affordable way to curb the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe also called on Ghanaians to maintain clean surroundings and practice proper sanitation to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season, emphasizing the importance of these practices irrespective of flooding conditions.