From Joana Kumi, Central Region
Health authorities have launched a cholera vaccination program in the Effutu Municipality near Winneba and the Agona West Municipality in the Central Region as part of efforts to curb outbreak that has led to multiple deaths.
Speaking at the launch, the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, cautioned that vaccination alone is not sufficient to prevent the outbreak.
He noted that many people mistakenly believe that vaccines alone can shield them from cholera, but without a commitment to personal and environmental cleanliness, the risk will persist.
Prof. Akoriyea highlighted that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana recorded no cholera cases due to widespread adherence to handwashing and hygiene protocols.
He urged the public to adopt similar practices, such as frequent handwashing with soap and maintaining clean surroundings, to prevent further outbreaks.
“As part of the intervention, 450 health personnel have been trained to administer the oral cholera vaccine across the two municipalities” he stated
Prof. Akoriyea therefore reassured the public that the vaccine is safe and dispelled fears that it might be harmful.
He refuted claims that the vaccine was poisonous, encouraging residents to take advantage of the vaccination exercise to protect themselves and their communities.
“The vaccine is not a magical solution to cholera. It is cleanliness and proper hygiene that will make a real difference. People must understand that sanitation is the key to breaking the cycle of infections,” he stated.
The Central Regional Minister, Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, also expressed concern over the rising number of cholera cases in the region, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
He underscored the financial commitment the government has made towards securing vaccines, stating that while the vaccination is free for residents, “the government is bearing the cost, funds that could have been allocated to other developmental projects”
To further strengthen sanitation efforts, the Minister announced that the last Saturday in every month will now be designated as a mandatory community cleanup exercise across all districts in the Central Region.
He emphasized that participation in this initiative is compulsory for all residents, as “ensuring a clean environment is a collective responsibility”
In support of these efforts, the Ghana Health Service provided essential sanitation items, including chlorine, Wellington boots, gloves, face masks, and disposable coveralls, to both municipalities.
These resources will aid in the effective implementation of the community cleanup exercise and other hygiene-promoting activities.
Nana Kwaku Esianya V, a traditional leader in Agona Swedru, also threw his weight behind the cleanup initiative.
He urged his people to actively participate in the sanitation drive, acknowledging that his community has recorded a high number of cholera cases.
Leading by example, he promised to personally engaged in the cleaning activities alongside his community members.
He further advised residents to ensure their homes are clean before stepping out to join the general community cleanup.
“It is not enough to clean outside while our homes remain dirty. We must tackle the issue from the root by ensuring that our immediate surroundings are free from filth before extending our efforts to public spaces,” he emphasized.
