Ghana’s Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced on Tuesday that a cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 49 individuals and that 719 cases have been confirmed.
According to Akandoh, who briefed parliament on the nation’s ongoing health crises, the outbreak started in the Greater Accra Region in October 2024 and has since expanded to four other regions.
As officials step up efforts to contain the disease and stop its spread, 719 of the 6,145 suspected cases nationally have been confirmed, with 49 fatalities, he said.
“Despite the worrying situation in the Central Region, new cholera cases are decreasing, and the districts of Agona West and Effutu, which were initially hard-hit, are now showing a decline in new cases,” he added.
“Since the outset in October 2024, it has unfortunately spread to other districts in Greater Accra and four other regions, namely Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.”
“As of 13th February 2025, we have recorded 6,145 cases, 719 confirmed cases, and unfortunately, forty-nine (49) deaths. In all, five regions have reported cases since the outbreak began. These are: Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.”
In spite of the alarming figures, the Health Minister emphasized certain encouraging advancements.
“It is worth noting that the situation is improving with active cases now concentrated in the Central Region only,” he stated.
“This region has been particularly affected by the current outbreak, with a significant number of cases reported in recent weeks,” he said, providing more details about the situation in the Central Region. Effutu and Agona West districts have been particularly severely affected. These two districts recorded 133 cases, 23 admissions, and regrettably, two (2) fatalities in the last week alone.
Akandoh did, however, offer some positive news: “Despite the worrying situation in the Central Region, I bring encouraging news. New cholera cases are decreasing, and the districts of Agona West and Effutu, which were initially hard-hit, are now showing a decline in new cases.”
There were 28 current cases on admission in the Central Region as of February 16, distributed as follows:
– Effutu: 18 cases
– Cape Coast: 6 cases
– Agona West: 4 cases
“This positive shift is a testament to the relentless efforts of our healthcare workers and partners, who have been diligently implementing a robust response plan,” Akandoh emphasised.
“This plan includes heightened surveillance to swiftly identify and manage cases, strengthened laboratory capacity for accurate and timely diagnosis, and environmental assessments to pinpoint and address risk factors.
“We have also established cholera treatment centres and are conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities. The strategic deployment of oral cholera vaccines in high-risk areas is further contributing to this positive trend.” he stated.
Source: newsthemegh.com