GHS administers 290,000 cholera vaccines in Western Region, targeting 641,851 residents

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Western Region has given 290,000 cholera vaccines within the first two days of its campaign. The campaign targets 641,851 people aged one year and older.

The vaccination drive is focused on four high-risk areas: Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Effia-Kwesimintsim, Shama, and Ahanta West municipalities. It started on Sunday, December 15, and will run until Thursday, December 29, 2024.

Dr. Nana Yaw Ofori Yeboah, the Western Regional Director of GHS, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that anyone over one year old can take the vaccine, except pregnant women. He assured the public that the vaccines are safe and urged everyone in the target group to take part in the campaign to reduce cholera cases.

To ensure they reach their goal, vaccination teams will visit homes, schools, places of worship, workplaces, markets, and healthcare centers.

The cholera outbreak in the Western Region has seen 1,633 reported cases, including 15 deaths. Health authorities have also taken steps to control the outbreak.

One of these measures includes banning food vendors from selling vegetables, as investigations found that contaminated vegetables were linked to 96% of cholera cases.

"This effort is vital to protect residents from cholera and reduce its spread," Dr. Yeboah said.