By Alex Ababio
The Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has successfully administered approximately 290,000 doses of cholera vaccines within the first two days of its vaccination campaign. This is part of an effort to vaccinate 641,851 individuals aged one year and above.
The campaign is focused on four identified cholera hotspots in the region and began on Sunday, December 15. It is scheduled to end on Thursday, December 29, 2024. The initiative targets residents of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Effia-Kwesimintsim, Shama, and Ahanta West municipalities, aiming to provide immunity against cholera infections.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Nana Yaw Ofori Yeboah, the Western Regional Director of the GHS, emphasized that the vaccines are safe and free from health complications. “We encourage everyone aged one and above, except pregnant women, to take part in the campaign. This is crucial in our fight against cholera,” he said.
Dr. Yeboah further outlined strategies to meet the vaccination target. “Our teams are visiting homes, schools, churches, mosques, workplaces, markets, and healthcare facilities to ensure everyone has access to the vaccines,” he noted.
The Western Region has seen a significant rise in cholera cases, with 1,633 cases and 15 deaths recorded so far. Health authorities have implemented additional measures to curb the outbreak, including a ban on food vendors selling vegetables.
Environmental surveillance revealed that contaminated vegetables sold by food vendors are responsible for 96% of cholera infections in the region.