The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating cholera outbreaks in the country, with significant progress already being made.

Following the cholera outbreak that struck parts of the country months ago, resulting in 49 recorded deaths and leaving many communities grappling with the infection, the GHS says it is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the disease becomes a thing of the past.

No Cholera-Related Deaths in the Past Three Weeks

The Director-General of GHS, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, provided a positive update during a media briefing on the country’s cholera situation. He revealed that there have been no cholera-related deaths recorded in the past three weeks, an indication that the outbreak is being effectively managed.

“We are doing very great when it comes to cholera. Right now, for the past three weeks, we don’t have any deaths. We have been able to do almost 99% of vaccinations, and we are now conducting surveys to confirm that we have reached all the targeted populations,” Prof. Akoriyea said.

Vaccination Drive Playing a Critical Role

Prof. Akoriyea highlighted the success of the vaccination drive, noting that it has played a significant role in the ongoing fight against cholera. He expressed optimism that with continued stakeholder collaboration, the outbreak will soon be fully curbed.

Improving Sanitation to Prevent Future Outbreaks

Beyond vaccinations, efforts to improve sanitation across affected regions are underway. According to Prof. Akoriyea, “We are doing something regarding sanitation to ensure that the sewages are clean. The Regional Director of the Central Region also conducted a cleaning exercise over the weekend. So, all these efforts will help us, and we just hope that it is not a one-day thing.”

Cholera Statistics: Reported Cases and Deaths

Since the outbreak in August last year, a total of:

• 6,145 suspected cases have been reported

• 719 cases have been confirmed

• 49 lives have been claimed

The Greater Accra, Central, Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions remain the most affected areas, with the Efutu and Agona West districts identified as cholera hotspots.

Ongoing Community Sensitization

Health authorities continue to encourage residents to prioritize hygiene and cleanliness as part of measures to prevent future outbreaks. Public education campaigns are ongoing, with a focus on promoting proper handwashing, sanitation, and safe water practices.

The GHS remains optimistic that with sustained efforts and collaboration from all stakeholders, Ghana can permanently eradicate cholera and protect public health.