Cholera Outbreak: Ghana Launches Emergency Vaccination Campaign

 

Source: Africa Publicity

In response to the alarming surge in cholera cases across multiple regions, Ghana’s Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have launched a vaccination exercise in Accra, aiming to immunize over 300,000 residents in the capital, Accra.

 

Ghana is currently battling a rising cholera outbreak that has already resulted in over 4,000 reported cases across five regions, including the Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, and Western regions. The outbreak has tragically claimed more than 40 lives, sparking concern among health officials and the general public.

 

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, leading to severe diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, death. The outbreak is attributed to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and unhygienic food handling practices.

 

Health officials warn that the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken to prevent further transmission. As part of the national response plan, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service are rolling out oral cholera vaccines (OCV) in targeted communities. The vaccine provides short-term protection against the disease and is especially crucial in areas with limited access to potable water and proper sanitation facilities.

The vaccination campaign, which kicks off today, is a critical step in controlling the spread of the disease. The GHS has already conducted similar vaccination campaigns in other parts of the country, including the Central Region, where a cholera outbreak was declared in October 2024.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service urge residents in Accra to take advantage of the vaccination exercise to protect themselves and their families against the deadly disease.

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