The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate is urging stronger public messaging and the promotion of hygienic practices across communities to prevent the spread of cholera as the rains set in.
The onset of the rainy season often brings with it a heightened risk of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera.
Flooding contaminates water sources with sewage and waste, creating the perfect conditions for the bacteria that cause cholera to spread.
Ghana recorded its first cholera case in the Greater Accra Region through contaminated food—raising fresh concerns as the rains approach.
Accra Metro, Ada East, Ablekuma Central, Ga South, and Weija Gbawe currently rank among the top five districts in the region with the highest number of cholera cases as of February 25.
Madam Eunice Joan Teah Dzagli, the Health Promotion Manager at the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate is concerned the public are not getting the right information which will help reduce infections.
“Our focus is zero cholera for this rainy season. And to achieve this, we need all hands on deck. We don’t want to go back to what we experienced in November, December, January, we should remember that even if it is one death if it is your family or your relative, you understand the impact” she stressed.
‘‘We need the media to get in touch when you need information about the disease. Risk communication is very important in this period, and you will end up giving an information that will cause more damage and cannot be taken back,’’ she added.
Since the outbreak of cholera began in parts of the country last August, a total of 6,145 suspected cases have been reported, with 719 confirmed and 49 lives lost.
With the rains starting to set in, public health concerns are growing and officials say the key to halting the spread of cholera lies in proper sanitation, community action, and responsible waste management.
