The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has informed Parliament that Ghana has recorded a total of 6,145 cholera cases, with 719 confirmed cases across five districts.
The outbreak, which began on October 4, 2024, after a funeral attendee in Ada East exhibited symptoms, has since spread to multiple districts in Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern regions.
Updating the House on the disease outbreak, the Minister disclosed that the outbreak has resulted in 49 fatalities. However, as of February 16, only the Central Region has active cases, with 28 patients currently admitted across Effutu (18 cases), Cape Coast (6 cases), and Agona West (4 cases).
Despite these numbers, Mr. Akandoh assured Parliament that efforts by healthcare workers and stakeholders are yielding positive results. He attributed the decline in cases to heightened surveillance, improved laboratory capacity, environmental assessments, public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of cholera treatment centers.
Government’s Response Measures
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, has implemented key interventions, including:
Coordination – Activation of Public Health Emergency Committees in affected regions.
Surveillance – Enhanced monitoring, case detection, and contact tracing at the district level.
Laboratory Strengthening – Improved testing capacity for accurate and timely diagnosis.
Environmental Assessments – Addressing risk factors related to poor sanitation and water supply.
Case Management – Establishment of treatment centers and training of healthcare workers.
Public Awareness – Community education on cholera prevention and control.
Vaccination – Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) deployment in high-risk areas.
Progress on Cholera Vaccination
Phases 1 & 2: 596,205 people vaccinated (92.9% of the target) in five districts across Central and Western Regions.
Accra Metro Campaign (Feb 14-17): 257,370 people vaccinated.
New Approvals: Agona West secured; application submitted for Effutu.
Challenges and Long-term Strategies
The Health Minister acknowledged poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and unhygienic practices as key challenges. He stressed the need for improved sanitation, food, and water safety to prevent future outbreaks.
Meningitis Outbreak in Upper West: 16 Deaths Reported
Mr. Akandoh also raised concerns over a meningitis outbreak in Ghana’s Upper West Region, where 129 cases and 16 deaths have been recorded as of February 16. The most affected districts are Wa Municipal, Nadowli, Wa West, Jirapa, and Nandom.
To contain the outbreak, the Ministry has deployed medical experts, established emergency response centers, mobilized antibiotics, and launched public awareness campaigns. Free treatment is also being provided at healthcare centers.
First Case of HMPV detected
The Health Minister revealed that Ghana has detected its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in an elderly patient, following enhanced surveillance. HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illnesses, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Despite this detection, Mr. Akandoh assured Parliament that the risk remains low due to strengthened surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms.
Government’s commitment
The Ministry of Health has pledged to continue its efforts to monitor and control these outbreaks. Mr. Akandoh called on health workers, local authorities, and the media to support public education and prevention strategies.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the House and the public,” he assured.
By Eugene Davis
