The Western Regional Health Directorate has launched an intensive four-day cholera vaccination exercise, aiming to immunize 641,851 residents to combat a recent surge in cases.
85,972 people have gotten the vaccine since the campaign started on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The largest group of those vaccinated, comprising 17,246, are those in the 20–39 age range, followed by 13,900 people in the 5–9 age range who received the vaccination on the first day of the exercise.
The campaign follows a troubling spike in cholera cases in the region, with eight districts, including Shama, Ahanta West, and Effia Municipality, identified as epicenters.
The Western Region recorded its first case on November 4, 2024, but within a month, the outbreak has escalated to over 800 cases and 14 fatalities recorded.
According to regional health officials, hospitals are treating more than 60 new cholera cases every day with hospitals now overwhelmed, with some facilities converting corridors into makeshift wards to accommodate patients.
Speaking with Dr. Gifty Amugi, Deputy Public Health Officer for the directorate, she emphasized the critical importance of the vaccination campaign as it will help curb the spread.
She stressed the vaccination is just one part of a broader strategy to contain the outbreak.
“We have deployed vaccination teams to communities, markets, lorry parks, and households in the hardest-hit districts,” Dr. Amugi said.
“In addition to vaccinations, we are intensifying public sensitization campaigns on personal hygiene and encouraging especially young people to get vaccinated,” she added.
The ongoing vaccination drive and associated awareness campaigns shows the region’s commitment to curbing the outbreak and preventing further loss of lives. Authorities are calling on all residents to cooperate fully to protect themselves and their communities.
GHS commences five-day cholera vaccination in Western, Central regions today
