In response to a sharp rise in cholera cases across multiple regions, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have launched a mass vaccination campaign in Accra.
The exercise, which begins today, Friday, February 14, 2025, aims to immunize over 300,000 residents in the capital to curb the spread of the deadly disease.
This initiative comes at a critical time as Ghana grapples with a cholera outbreak that has already resulted in over 4,000 reported cases across five regions—Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, and Western.
Tragically, the outbreak has claimed more than 40 lives, raising serious concerns among health officials and the public.
Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads through contaminated food and water, causing severe diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, death. The outbreak has been linked to poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and unhygienic food handling practices.
Health experts warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could escalate further.
As part of the national response, the Ministry of Health and GHS are administering oral cholera vaccines (OCV) in targeted communities. The vaccine provides short-term protection and is particularly crucial for areas with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.