Health Minister, Ghana Health Service Boss educate Central Region residents on cholera outbreak

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, have embarked on a public education campaign in the Central Region to raise awareness about the ongoing cholera outbreak and promote proper sanitation practices.

The campaign began on the streets of Winneba, where the minister and his team engaged residents on the dangers of cholera and the importance of maintaining good hygiene to prevent its spread.

He emphasized the need for proper sanitation and urged the public to adhere to health guidelines.

Mr. Akandoh later visited the Agona Swedru Municipal Hospital, where he checked on four patients receiving treatment for cholera.

He assured them of the government's commitment to fighting the outbreak and encouraged them to take advantage of the government’s vaccination exercise.

"How long have you been here? Is there a gutter in front of your house? Don’t worry, you will be fine. The government has rolled out a vaccination policy, so when it comes, please ensure that you get vaccinated to help fight the disease," the minister told one of the patients.

According to Mr. Akandoh, the government has already implemented several measures to combat the outbreak, including a nationwide vaccination exercise.

He revealed that the campaign has commenced in Cape Coast in the Central Region and Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region, with Swedru expected to begin soon.

"The vaccine is not poisonous, harmful, or dangerous. I have taken mine, so there is no need to fear," the minister said at the Winneba Municipal Hospital, encouraging citizens to participate in the exercise.

Prof. Kaba Akoriyea reinforced the need for improved sanitation, stressing that it remains critical in the fight against cholera.

Dr. Julius Abuku, Medical Superintendent of the Agona Swedru Municipal Hospital, disclosed that the facility has recorded 327 suspected cases of cholera.

He added that the municipality has reported 411 suspected cases, with 71 samples tested and 28 confirmed positive.

Dr. Abuku further noted that the municipality has recorded three deaths since the outbreak began. However, he highlighted that no fatalities have occurred in nearly a month, thanks to enhanced health measures.

The minister was accompanied by the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Director, Dr. Frank Lule; Nene Ofei Bosso, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry; and other officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

Mr. Akandoh urged citizens to take advantage of the vaccination exercise and adhere to proper sanitation practices to help curb the spread of cholera.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith