The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, has disclosed that Ghana has recorded 719 confirmed cases of cholera and 49 deaths across five regions since the outbreak began in October 2024.
Providing an update on the outbreak in Parliament on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, he affirmed the government’s commitment to containing the situation and provided details on the current status.
“Since the onset in October 2024, the outbreak has unfortunately spread to other districts in Greater Accra and four other regions: Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.
“As of February 13, 2025, we have recorded 6,145 cases, including 719 confirmed cases, and unfortunately, forty-nine (49) deaths. In total, five regions have reported cases since the outbreak began. These regions are Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern,” he noted.
Mintah-Akandoh acknowledged the challenges posed by limited resources but emphasized the government’s dedication to strengthening the healthcare system and prioritizing disease prevention.
“We are fully committed to fighting this outbreak and will continue to collaborate with local authorities, international partners, and health professionals to bring the situation under control,” he stated.
In response to the cholera outbreak, the government has implemented several measures, including enhanced surveillance, increased laboratory testing capacity, environmental assessments, and public education campaigns.
“We have activated regional and district public health emergency committees in all affected regions to ensure a coordinated response. We have heightened surveillance in all districts, conducting active community case searches and contact tracing to identify and manage cases promptly. We have strengthened laboratory capacity to test and confirm suspected cases, ensuring accurate diagnosis and timely treatment,” he noted.
Despite these efforts, Mintah-Akandoh cited ongoing challenges related to poor sanitation, unsafe water, and unhygienic food handling practices, which continue to fuel the spread of cholera.
He stressed the importance of improving sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent further outbreaks.
“Cholera persists due to poor sanitation, unsafe water, and unhygienic food handling practices. It is crucial that we work together to improve our sanitation and hygiene practices,” he added.
JKB/MA
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