Seven deaths have been reported from 47 confirmed cholera cases in the Central Region.
As of yesterday, the Regional Health Directorate recorded 720 suspected cholera cases in the region.
In a media briefing in Cape Coast, Dr. Agnes Achiamaa Anane, the acting Central Regional Health Director, revealed that cholera cases have been confirmed in eight districts: Cape Coast, Awutu Senya, Awutu Senya East, Gomoa East, Mfantseman, Hemang Lower Denkyira, Effutu, and Agona West.
She added that four other districts—Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA), Assin South, Assin North, and Gomoa Central—have suspected cholera cases that are yet to be confirmed.
Dr. Anane explained that four of the deaths occurred in individuals who were already deceased when brought to health facilities.
Describing the situation as “very alarming,” Dr. Anane expressed concern that some of the suspected cases might turn out to be positive.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining good sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, she urged Ghanaians to recommit to washing their hands with soap and running water, as was done during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Anane also stressed that anyone experiencing diarrhea should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
“People should not die as a result of cholera since it can be treated,” she said.
Dr Anane appealed to the media to support efforts by the health directorate in sensitising residents and Ghanaians in general towards adopting measures that would stop the spread of the disease.
To that end, she urged radio stations to institute programmes and also support the playing of jingles aimed at supporting efforts at curbing the spread of cholera.
The Central Regional Health Promotion Manager, Mathew Ahwireng for his part, expressed concern about the practice of open defecation among some communities within the Central Region.
He, therefore, called for a halt in such practices since it contributed towards the outbreak of certain infections such as cholera.
He stated that, the Regional Health Directorate and other stakeholders were working tirelessly to eliminate cholera in the region.
Other stakeholders and members of the Central Region Risk Communication committees under the health directorate at the programme, called for collaborative efforts towards addressing the problem.
They called for the intensification of clean-up exercises as well as the enforcement of by-laws of the various assemblies on sanitation