Public Health Emergency Committees activated nationwide amid cholera outbreak — GHS

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has activated Public Health Emergency Management Committees (PHEMCs) across all regions following the confirmation of cholera cases in the Greater Accra region.

This move is part of a coordinated national response to contain the outbreak, which first emerged in the Ada West District on October 4.

According to a press release from GHS dated October 14, the first confirmed case involved a person who developed symptoms after attending a funeral in Ada East.

“The person presented to the health facility with vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain,” GHS stated.

By October 11, the outbreak had spread, with nine confirmed cases reported in both Ada West and Ada East districts.

To tackle the spread, GHS has implemented a multi-sectoral response involving key institutions such as the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

A joint Public Health Emergency Rapid Response Team (PHERRT) has also been activated to oversee investigations, environmental assessments, and public education campaigns.

Some of the key response activities include public education campaigns on cholera prevention, community case searches, and the establishment of oral rehydration centres for patients with mild symptoms.

GHS has also begun distributing potable water in the affected areas while conducting water sampling for microbiological analysis.

“Public education on cholera prevention with emphasis on safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene practices through deployment of mobile vans, radio sessions, etc. in the affected areas is ongoing,” GHS emphasized.

Health workers in the affected districts have been sensitized on proper case definitions, sample management, and infection prevention protocols.