Central Region launches intensive Cholera prevention campaign after floods
The Central Regional Health Directorate has stepped up efforts to prevent cholera by launching a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging stronger disease prevention measures across the region.
The campaign is targeting market women, traders, food vendors, schools, communities, traditional authorities and religious leaders through hygiene demonstrations, guidance on safe water storage and use, and education on the importance of promptly reporting suspected cholera cases to prevent outbreaks.
The initiative seeks to reduce the spread of cholera by equipping key community stakeholders with the knowledge and resources needed to promote healthy behaviours, improve rapid response efforts and encourage lasting preventive practices.
Speaking at the engagement, Dr Joseph Kizzie-Hayford, Deputy Director of the University of Cape Coast Hospital, said the campaign had become even more urgent following the recent floods in the region, which increased the risk of cholera outbreaks and caused widespread destruction and loss of lives.
He explained that cholera is a severe diarrhoeal disease, often characterised by watery stools resembling “rice water,” and is commonly spread through food, water or surfaces contaminated with the faeces or vomit of an infected person.
Dr Kizzie-Hayford identified contaminated water, poor sanitation and unsafe food handling as the main factors contributing to the spread of the disease.
He stressed the need for continuous public education to encourage preventive measures such as drinking boiled or treated water, washing hands regularly with soap under running water, using hygienic sanitation facilities, and ensuring food is properly prepared and cooked.
He warned that cholera can rapidly cause severe dehydration due to excessive loss of fluids and salts, which can become fatal within hours if treatment is delayed.
To reduce the risk of infection, he advised residents to use only safe drinking water, including bottled water with intact seals, boiled water or water treated with chlorine tablets such as AquaTabs.
He also urged the public to practise proper hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet, before preparing or eating food, and after handling contaminated materials.
In addition, he recommended thoroughly cooking food, especially seafood, eating meals while still hot, keeping cooked food covered, washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, maintaining clean homes and surroundings, disposing of waste properly and protecting water sources from contamination.
He further advised communities to ensure latrines are well maintained and located at least 30 metres away from water sources.
Dr Kizzie-Hayford also encouraged the immediate reporting of diarrhoeal illnesses, noting that early treatment, rehydration and vaccination could help prevent transmission and save lives.
Participants at the forum called for stronger collaboration to combat cholera. Isaac Arkoh of the Ghana News Agency urged the Ghana Health Service to intensify public education through the media and strengthen coordination with agencies such as the Ghana Water Company and district assemblies.
Nana Yaw Kwarko Gyimah II, Ankobeahene of Assin Bereku, appealed to traditional and religious leaders to work closely with local authorities to enforce sanitation regulations, improve waste management and ensure communities respond quickly to suspected cases.
Representing the Muslim community in Agona West, Abubakar Adams encouraged faith and community leaders to promote regular handwashing, safe food preparation and environmental cleanliness.
Other participants emphasised the need for improved hygiene practices within households, wider distribution of educational materials and greater awareness that cholera can spread among family members if water, kitchens and sanitation facilities are not properly maintained.
Source: GNA
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