Cholera Vaccination Campaign Launched in Response to Outbreak

Ghana is currently facing a cholera outbreak that has resulted in 21 recorded deaths across four regions of the country. In response, a Cholera Vaccination Campaign is set to be introduced.

The Service and its partners held a media briefing in Accra to announce the campaign, which takes place from November 30 to December 3, 2024. The vaccine being used is the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV), aimed at enhancing the country’s efforts to combat the outbreak.

Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General addressed the serious challenges posed by cholera worldwide, including Ghana. He highlighted that the impact of cholera is especially severe in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. To counter the disease, health authorities have implemented effective measures such as improving sanitation, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and promoting basic personal hygiene. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye emphasized that while the Oral Cholera Vaccine is vital in managing cholera outbreaks, it should complement and not replace other control measures.

Additionally, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye announced the introduction of a second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) into the routine immunization schedule, starting on December 1 of this year. This dose will provide additional protection against polio for children aged seven months and older.

Mr. Frank Lule, the Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), reiterated that cholera is a highly contagious illness and remains a significant global health threat. If left untreated, cholera can lead to death. Therefore, deploying vaccines in affected areas is crucial for controlling and breaking the outbreak. He assured the public that the vaccine is safe and effective, urging communities in affected areas to take advantage of the exercise.

The cholera vaccination exercise will employ a house-to-house strategy, targeting three hotspot sub-districts in the Awutu Senya East District of the Central Region: Akwelley, Kasoa North, and Odupong Kpehe, which have been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. The first phase of the campaign is set to commence on November 30 and run until December 3, 2024. The vaccine will be administered to individuals aged two years and older, serving as an additional layer of protection alongside existing preventive measures.

SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT