The Looming Threat of Cholera in Ghana and the Red Cross’s Proactive Response
Ghana faces a heightened risk of cholera resurgence with the onset of the rainy season, following a dry season that already witnessed a concerning number of cases and fatalities. This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent a widespread outbreak. Mr. Faith Dube, the Red Cross Society International Cholera Surge Delegate to Ghana, recently concluded his emergency response service in the country and emphasized the critical importance of maintaining strict hygiene standards to combat the threat. He stressed that despite the occurrence of cholera outbreaks during the dry season, with 21 confirmed deaths in the Central Region alone, the arrival of the rains presents an even greater risk. He highlighted the importance of a multi-pronged approach encompassing personal hygiene, preventative measures, vaccination campaigns, and public awareness programs.
Mr. Dube detailed the Red Cross Society’s comprehensive initiatives to combat the cholera outbreak. These initiatives included the donation of essential equipment, such as Veronica buckets for handwashing, aqua tabs for water purification, and solar-powered knapsack sprayers for disinfection, to various state institutions. Crucially, the Red Cross also provided a substantial supply of 54,192 cholera vaccines to the Ghana Health Service. These vaccines were strategically deployed in the most affected areas within the Central Region, namely Mfantseman, Cape Coast, and Komenda-Edina-Eguaafo-Abrem (KEEA). Concurrently, the Red Cross intensified risk communication and community engagement efforts, recognizing the critical role of public awareness in preventing the spread of the disease.
A key element of the Red Cross’s strategy was the mobilization of a dedicated volunteer force. 205 volunteers were recruited across six districts within the Central Region, including Agona West, Effutu, Mfantseman, Abura-Asiebu-Kwamankese, Cape Coast, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira, and KEEA. These volunteers played a pivotal role in raising community awareness, promoting preventative behaviors, and engaging in direct, one-on-one discussions with individuals in various settings, including schools, churches, and community gatherings. They also collaborated with religious and traditional leaders, leveraging their influence to disseminate vital information and encourage adherence to preventative measures. These combined efforts, encompassing vaccination campaigns and targeted educational initiatives, resulted in remarkable success, reaching over 94.1% of the target population.
Mr. Dube reiterated the Red Cross’s long-term commitment to supporting Ghana in its fight against cholera and other epidemics. He emphasized the organization’s focus on providing ongoing training and capacity building in epidemic management, equipping local communities and health authorities with the knowledge and skills to effectively respond to future outbreaks. Furthermore, he expressed his sincere gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the collaborative effort to combat the cholera outbreak, recognizing the importance of partnerships in achieving public health goals. The success of the intervention so far highlights the significant impact of collective action in mitigating the devastating effects of infectious diseases.
Echoing Mr. Dube’s concerns, Mr. Mohammed Baidoo, the Central Regional Manager of the Red Cross Ghana, urged Ghanaians to take ownership of their health by prioritizing personal hygiene and adopting best sanitation practices. He emphasized that cholera, a severe diarrheal disease, thrives in environments characterized by poor sanitation and improper waste management. Contaminated food and water are the primary vectors for transmission, making it crucial to improve hygiene standards at both individual and community levels. Mr. Baidoo stressed the importance of simple yet effective measures, such as regularly washing hands with soap, ensuring safe food preparation practices, and disposing of waste responsibly. These actions can significantly disrupt the transmission cycle of the disease and prevent outbreaks.
Mr. Baidoo particularly highlighted the dangerous practice of dumping fecal matter into drains, a behavior that directly contributes to the contamination of water sources and facilitates the spread of cholera. He called for a fundamental shift in attitudes towards waste disposal, advocating for responsible waste management practices as a crucial component of public health. He concluded by emphasizing the Red Cross’s ongoing collaboration with health authorities to advocate for sustained sanitation improvements and behavioral change within communities. This sustained effort is vital to protect public health and prevent future cholera epidemics, safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations and ensuring a healthier future for Ghana.
