Ghana Launches Cholera Vaccination Campaign in Central Region Amid Ongoing Outbreak.

Accra: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated a one-dose cholera vaccination campaign in three subdistricts of Awutu Senya East in the Central Region. This month-long effort, which began on Saturday, aims to vaccinate 150,634 individuals by its conclusion on December 3, 2024.According to Ghana News Agency, this vaccination campaign comes in response to a cholera outbreak that affected four regions in Ghana, resulting in 2,385 suspected cases, 196 confirmed cases, and 21 deaths. Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization at GHS, emphasized during the campaign launch in Accra that Awutu Senya was prioritized due to its significant share of the suspected cholera cases.As of November 27th, the Central Region reported 1,016 suspected cholera cases, with 77 confirmed cases and nine fatalities. Dr. Amponsa-Achiano mentioned the potential expansion of the vaccination campaign to Ga South, Ada, and the Western Region after the elections. The phased, reactive campai gn aims to mitigate the ongoing outbreak, reduce suffering, and protect public health.The oral cholera vaccine, being utilized in the campaign, is safe and effective, enhancing immunity and helping to curtail transmission. Dr. Amponsa-Achiano pointed out that the increase in cholera cases and deaths since September 2024 has predominantly impacted areas with inadequate access to safe water, where reliance on rivers, wells, and streams is common.Dr. Amponsa-Achiano advised the public to maintain proper hygiene by washing hands with soap and running water before meals and after using the restroom. He also suggested that meals be thoroughly cooked and consumed while hot, and fruits cleaned and peeled appropriately. He cautioned against direct contact with bodily fluids when caring for the sick and urged immediate medical attention for severe diarrhea or vomiting.Dr. Frank John Lule, the World Health Organization's Representative to Ghana, remarked on cholera as a reflection of social inequities and underdev elopment. He noted that severe dehydration resulting from cholera could be fatal if untreated. Although Dr. Lule endorsed the vaccine's safety and efficacy, he stressed the importance of economic development, universal access to clean water, and proper sanitation as long-term solutions to controlling cholera.Globally, as of October 31, 2024, there have been 481,516 reported cholera cases, including 3,990 deaths. The African Region remains the most affected, accounting for 67.7 percent of global cases and 98.1 percent of global deaths. Cholera, caused by consuming contaminated food or water, presents symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, and can lead to fatality within hours if untreated.The Ghana Health Service advises the public to consume only treated water, eat properly cooked food, and avoid close contact with infected individuals. Maintaining hygiene by washing hands with soap and water and seeking immediate medical care for severe symptoms are crucial preventive measures.