Ghana cholera outbreak: GHS starts vaccinations in Accra

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) launched its cholera vaccination campaign in the national capital Accra. The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, was present at the event and took the first dose to reassure the public about the safety of the vaccine. Mr Akandoh remarked that cholera was a water and sanitation-related disease and urged citizens to adopt hygiene and environmental cleanliness to contain the epidemic. He also advised to report early symptoms of the disease, such as diarrhea and vomiting, and promised to make test kits and medications available to the public. On his part, Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South Constituency, urged his constituents to take the vaccine, keep their environments always clean, and wash their hands and food before eating.
The vaccination campaign aims to immunize over 300,000 persons and increase public awareness about cholera in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. Vaccinations offer temporary defence against the illness and represent an effective measure in places with poor access to clean water and adequate sanitation.