The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has commenced a cholera vaccination campaign in Accra to combat the escalating outbreak of the disease across multiple regions.

This initiative, which begins Friday, 14th February, aims to immunise over 300,000 residents in the capital as part of urgent efforts to contain the spread of the life-threatening infection.

The nationwide cholera outbreak has already resulted in more than 4,000 reported cases across five regions—Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, and Western—prompting heightened concerns among health authorities and the public.

Tragically, over 40 lives have been lost due to the epidemic.

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, leading to severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, fatal complications.

The outbreak has been linked to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean drinking water, and unhygienic food handling practices.

Health experts caution that without immediate intervention, the situation could deteriorate further.

As part of the national response strategy, the Ministry of Health and GHS are deploying oral cholera vaccines (OCV) in high-risk communities.

The vaccine provides short-term protection against the disease and is particularly crucial in areas with inadequate potable water and sanitation facilities.

Authorities continue to urge the public to adhere to strict hygiene measures while vaccination efforts are underway.