The Western Region of Ghana is currently grappling with a devastating cholera outbreak that has claimed the lives of 14 individuals and left hundreds more hospitalized. As of 7th December, there have been 789 suspected cases of cholera, with daily new cases exceeding 60.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has deployed a team from the Institutional Care Division to the region. This team is tasked with monitoring the outbreak, reassessing emergency healthcare plans, and providing additional personnel to ensure prompt treatment for those affected.
Both public and private hospitals in the region are admitting between 15 and 20 cholera patients daily. Hospital officials are working tirelessly to provide care to those in need, but they have emphasized the urgent need for more resources and supplies to effectively manage the outbreak.
Due to overcrowding in healthcare facilities, many hospitals have had to convert their waiting areas into treatment spaces for cholera patients. The Western Regional Directorate has announced plans for a vaccination campaign in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and Ahanta West areas, scheduled to begin on Friday, 14th December.
Authorities have also taken steps to address the source of the outbreak, ordering food vendors, especially those selling vegetables, to halt their operations. Vendors found in violation of this directive will face penalties, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts inspections to assess sanitation conditions in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis.
Environmental surveillance and investigations have revealed that 96% of infections are linked to food vendors, particularly those selling contaminated vegetables. The cholera outbreak has not only affected the Western Region but has also spread to other regions including Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central.
In a separate incident reported just a month ago, 5 individuals were confirmed dead and 30 others were receiving treatment at Kasoa Polyclinic and Mother and Child Hospital following a cholera outbreak in the area. Anita Love Obo Amissah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, expressed concern over the spread of the disease and called for a coordinated response to tackle the outbreak.
The situation in the Western Region is dire, and urgent action is needed to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life. The Ghana Health Service and other relevant authorities are working tirelessly to provide care to those affected and implement measures to curb the spread of cholera in the region.
