Accra: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has initiated a four-day Cholera Vaccination Campaign aimed at controlling the spread of the disease while promoting awareness about the importance of maintaining both environmental and personal hygiene. The campaign, set to run from February 14 to 17, targets house-to-house vaccinations to cover at-risk populations, with the goal of halting the rising number of cholera cases across the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the campaign is open to children aged one year and above, as well as adults, with the provision of oral vaccines to ensure their protection against cholera. The outbreak, which began in October 2024, has already affected five regions: Greater Accra, Central, Western, Eastern, and Ashanti. Data from the latest Cholera Situational Report (SITREP) indicates that 5,527 suspected cases have been reported within these regions, with a 1.2 percent Case Fatality Rate.
The campaign was launched by Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, at Mamprobi in the Ablekuma South Constituency in Accra. He attributed the outbreak to inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices, urging the public to adopt better practices to prevent further transmission. Mr. Akandoh emphasized the importance of cleanliness, stating that addressing the water and sanitation issues is crucial to preventing future outbreaks.
He further assured that the Ministry is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government to implement effective measures to control the outbreak. The public is advised to remain vigilant for symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, as well as other related symptoms like abdominal cramps, fever, headache, fatigue, dry mouth and throat, and decreased urine output.
Mr. Akandoh reiterated the Ministry of Health’s commitment to containing the disease, emphasizing the availability of test kits and medications for treatment. He also stressed the importance of timely reporting of symptoms to prevent fatalities.
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, highlighted that the vaccine should complement, not replace, other preventive measures. He encouraged the public to maintain good hand hygiene practices.
Dr. Frank Lule, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, praised the Health Minister for his efforts and reaffirmed the Organisation’s dedication to eradicating cholera. The launch event was attended by key figures including Mr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, as well as local queenmothers and district health directors.