Ghana Rolls Out Emergency Cholera Vaccination Campaign In Accra
In response to a devastating cholera outbreak that has claimed lives in Ghana, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have launched an emergency Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign in Accra. The four-day exercise, which began on February 14 and will end on February 17, aims to immunize over 300,000 residents in high-risk communities.
According to Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, cholera is a major public health challenge in Ghana that requires a collective effort to contain. “Cholera is a hygiene-related disease, and improving awareness, sensitizing people, and community mobilization are crucial in minimizing its spread,” he emphasized.
The vaccination campaign is targeting communities in Ashiedu Keteke, Ablekuma South, and Okaikoi South districts, where health workers and volunteers will administer the vaccine free of charge to individuals aged one year and above, excluding pregnant women.
The Minister and his team, including MP for Ablekuma South, Hon. Okoe Vanderpuije, have been visiting vaccination centers to monitor the exercise and engage with community members, encouraging full participation in the vaccination exercise.
With the rainy season approaching, authorities warn that the impact of the outbreak could worsen, making it imperative for the public to strictly adhere to hygiene practices and maintain clean surroundings.
The Ghana Health Service has attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and unhygienic food handling practices. The Service has also launched a house-to-house vaccination campaign in affected regions to mitigate the spread of the disease.
By: Frank Owusu Obimpeh
