Ghana rolls out Cholera Vaccine amid deadly outbreak

A nationwide effort to combat a recent cholera outbreak in Ghana is underway, with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) launching an oral cholera vaccination campaign. The initiative comes after 21 lives were lost to the outbreak, with the Central Region identified as a hotspot.

Vaccination Strategy

The campaign, which begins today,NOV 30, will target three sub-districts in Awutu Senya East. Vaccination teams will visit homes, workplaces, and social gatherings to ensure widespread coverage. Mobile teams will also operate in health centers and hospitals to reach as many people as possible.

Importance of Hygiene Practices

Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the GHS, emphasized the need to integrate vaccination with existing preventive measures, such as improved sanitation and access to clean water while speaking at a press conference on Friday, November 29.

He also stressed the importance of hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and consuming freshly cooked food.

“While the cholera vaccine presents an additional approach for cholera prevention and control, it does not replace priority measures such as proper sanitation and access to safe drinking water.”

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

The oral cholera vaccine, endorsed by the Food and Drugs Authority, has been deemed safe and effective. The vaccine will be administered to all persons aged two years and above, excluding pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Introduction of Second Polio Vaccine Dose

In addition to the cholera vaccination campaign, the GHS has announced the introduction of a second dose of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into the immunization schedule. Starting from December 1, the second dose will be administered to children aged seven months and above, providing additional protection against polio.

Source: Lead News Online