3 days ago
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A four-day intensified vaccination exercise by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to control the cholera outbreak in some parts of the Western Region is expected to end tomorrow, Thursday, December 19, 2024.
The campaign, targeting individuals aged one year and above, followed a spike in cases in some Districts of the region, including
Takoradi, Effia- Kwesimintsim, Shama and Ahanta West, which have been identified as epicentres for the disease spread.
The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Yaw OforiYeboah, briefing journalists on the situation disclosedas of last Thursday that death toll in the region had risen to 15 from eight at the initial stages.
According to the Director, about 157 new cases werereported on daily basis with 1,347 cumulativecases recorded so far in the region.
Eight Districts, he noted, were currently hotspots for the spread of the disease with about 13 health workers so far infected with cholera,creating an overwhelming situation for health facilities and affected communities.
“Districts with sharp increase in number of cases stand at four including Sekondi–Takoradi,Effia- Kwesimitsim, Shama and Ahanta West. Severe cases recorded are 60, moderate, 80 and mild 65,” the Regional Director, DrYeboah, disclosed.
He attributed the cholera cases to insanitary sites for food preparation and sales by food vendors, which he described as a major factor, indiscriminate refuse dumping, poor waste management and open defecation.
Additionally, DrYeboah indicated that the Rapid Response Team (RRT) in partnership with the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and key partner agencies would implement targeted interventions aimed at controlling and managing cholera outbreaks across all districts in the Western Region.
Furthermore, he outlined plans to collaborate with the various assemblies to enforcement sanitation bye laws while continuing with disinfection of communities, education of food vendors in areas like Sekondi-Takoradi, Effiaand Kwesimintsim.
“There‘s an exponential surge in cases in health facilities both private and public and they are supporting in case management as incidence continue to surge.
Van announcement has also been intensified in two hot spots district – Sekondi and EffiaKwesimintsim and also door to door sensitisation. Distribution of Intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics to designated facilities also continues,” he underlined
On key steps moving forward to prevent a further spike, DrYeboahstated, theRegional Health directorate would strengthen collaboration with MMDAs at the two hot spots, operationaliseadditional treatment centr0es, identify casemanagement andliaise with stakeholders in the waterspace to assess and promote water safety.
“Anyone with cholera must be assessed at the health facility to receive prompt treatment. Early detection of cholera will save you and your family,” DrYeboah advised.
The health director reassured residents that treatment for cholera was free in both government and private hospitals.
He maintained that,“residents should remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and adhere to all health directives. This cholera outbreak serves as a wake-up call for collective efforts to improve sanitation and public health across the Western Region.”
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI
BOYE, SEKONDI
