There has been an astronomical increase in the cases of Cholera in the Ada East and West District.
In response to a recent cholera outbreak, the Ada East and West Assemblies have enacted measures aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.
The Ada West District Security Council has taken significant steps to prevent further escalation, including banning the distribution of food and drinks at social gatherings and enhancing sanitation practices.
According to the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Frankline Aseidu Bekoe briefs on the number of cholera cases, with one death case. Meanwhile, there have been fatalities reported in these districts in the coming days as a result of Cholera.
“We have 43 confirmed cases but to put it in context, when you have an outbreak, and is fully established and you are very clear about the kind of outbreak you don’t need to go on confirming the cases, you confirm when you have it in another place [of the confirm cases], so this 43 is not the full picture it’s the one that we confirm. We have more of the [suspected cases] maybe about 100 more.”
Dr. Frankline Aseidu Bekoe Ghana Heath Service
The outbreak is currently concentrated in the coastal areas, with Ada West recording six confirmed cases and Ada East accounting for 37.
Dr. Bekoe emphasized that the outbreak’s full scope may be more extensive than current data reveals.
“We are clear with what we are doing so we don’t go on confirming cases unless it moves to another district, which is new.”
Dr. Frankline Aseidu Bekoe Ghana Heath Service
According to him, the outbreak has led to hospitalizations, with 12 individuals currently receiving treatment, and additional cases expected.
Ban on Food and Drinks at Public Gatherings
To curb transmission, the Ada West District Security Council, chaired by District Chief Executive (DCE) Mr. Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah implemented a series of protocols. Mr. Kpankpah explained the rationale behind these restrictions.
“The social distancing of 1 meter should be practiced all over the district, especially at public gatherings like churches, mosques, funerals, political rallies, and all those public gatherings, we decided that at funerals they should not share food and they shouldn’t share drinks including other social gatherings.’’
Mr. Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah Ada West District Security Council, chaired by District Chief Executive (DCE)
Enhanced Sanitation Measures
As part of the comprehensive response, local authorities are focusing on enhancing sanitation. The Ada West District has mandated the use of Veronica Buckets (hand-washing stations) at public gatherings, including schools, churches, and funerals, to promote hand hygiene.
Mr. Kpankpah emphasis underscored the necessity of hygiene at the community level, highlighting efforts to maintain cleanliness in residential areas.
“We’ve organized communal labor especially the area where the menace started from and after the communal labor everyone should go by cleaning frontage at home so that you make sure your place is neat, you clean up your place, and then the environment you are surrounded by.”
“After that, We’ve also decided… any [refuse collected] in their homes they should be burnt, and whatever is left over should be put in sacks so that we have a [vehicle] that will be going round each day to collect them.”
Mr. Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah Ada West District Chief Executive (DCE)
Preventive Measures for a Safer Community
Local authorities are taking additional steps to avoid further spread, including the provision of clean water and essential sanitation resources.
The cholera outbreak has prompted an urgent response in the Ada East and West District, with local leaders prioritizing community safety through restrictions on food distribution, sanitation efforts, and active involvement in public health practices. The council’s efforts demonstrate an emphasis on public cooperation to achieve their objectives.
As the council continues to monitor the outbreak, it calls on the public to adhere strictly to the guidelines and engage in regular cleaning routines to limit the spread of cholera.
The coordinated response from both the GHS and the District Security Council underscored the importance of rapid, organized action in curbing public health crises.
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