The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has stepped up public education on preventive measures against the outbreak of cholera in the region. 

The Directorate in the last few weeks has been engaging the public through the traditional media and community information centres on the need to keep a clean environment and also observe hygiene protocols. 

This follows confirmed cases of cholera in the Greater Accra Region as reported in a press release issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on October 14, 2024. 

According to the release signed by the Director General of the Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, nine cases had been confirmed in Ada West and Ada East Districts as of October 11. 

It also detailed public health response measures being undertaken by the Service across the country to prevent an outbreak. 

It is in line with this that the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has embarked on intensive public education to encourage hand hygiene and other preventive practices among the populace. 

Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that strict Infection Prevention Control practices were being enforced in all health facilities. 

He advised the public to regularly wash their hands under safe running water with soap before eating, cooking and after using the toilet. 

They must also drink only safe water, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and avoid cold foods. 

The Regional Director encouraged the public to immediately report to the nearest health facility when they continuously pass watery stool, vomit, or feel weak and tired. 

He underscored the need for individual households to adopt hygienic practices, saying that, the prevention of the disease was a collective responsibility.