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Fight Against Cholera
Ghana is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has claimed 21 lives across four regions. In response, the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with its partners, has announced a Cholera Vaccination Campaign. This critical initiative will run from November 30 to December 3, 2024, using the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) to bolster the country’s efforts to curb the outbreak.
At a media briefing in Accra, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, underscored the global and local challenges posed by cholera, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
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He highlighted that the Fight Against Cholera requires a multifaceted approach, including improving sanitation, providing access to safe drinking water, and promoting basic hygiene practices.
While the Oral Cholera Vaccine is a vital tool in managing outbreaks, he emphasized that it complements—rather than replaces—these core control measures.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye also announced the introduction of a second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) into Ghana’s routine immunization schedule. Beginning December 1, 2024, this additional dose will offer enhanced protection against polio for children aged seven months and older.
Mr. Frank Lule, Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), stressed that cholera is a highly contagious disease and remains a significant global health threat. Without timely treatment, cholera can result in fatalities.
Vaccines, he noted, are a crucial intervention to contain outbreaks and prevent further spread. Mr. Lule assured the public of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness and encouraged communities in affected areas to participate in the campaign.
The vaccination exercise will adopt a house-to-house strategy, targeting three cholera hotspots in the Awutu Senya East District of the Central Region: Akwelley, Kasoa North, and Odupong Kpehe. Identified as the epicenter of the outbreak, these sub-districts will be the focus of the campaign’s first phase.
The vaccine will be administered to individuals aged two years and above, providing an additional layer of protection to complement existing preventive measures.
As Ghana takes proactive steps to combat this outbreak, the campaign highlights the importance of collective action to protect public health and prevent further loss of life.
Source: Ghana Health Service
