GHS begins cholera vaccination in Accra today

In response to the alarming rise in cholera cases across multiple regions, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have launched a vaccination campaign in Accra.

Starting today, Friday, February 14, the initiative aims to immunize over 300,000 residents in the capital to contain the spread of the deadly disease.

The campaign comes as Ghana grapples with a growing cholera outbreak, which has already resulted in more than 4,000 reported cases across five regions, including Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, and Western.

The outbreak has claimed over 40 lives, heightening concerns among health officials and the public. Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads through contaminated food and water, causing severe diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, death. The surge in cases has been linked to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and unhygienic food handling.

Health authorities warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could deteriorate further. As part of the national response, the Ministry of Health and GHS are administering oral cholera vaccines (OCV) in high-risk communities. The vaccine offers short-term protection against the disease and is particularly vital in areas lacking potable water and proper sanitation facilities.