Red Cross official cautions Ghana on cholera resurgence as rainy season approaches

Mr. Faith Dube is the Red Cross Society's International Cholera Surge Delegate to Ghana. He has warned Ghanaians to maintain strict hygiene standards. The rainy season could lead to a cholera resurgence.

Ghana experienced a cholera outbreak during the dry season. There were 21 confirmed deaths in the Central Region alone. This indicates a heightened risk as rains begin.

Mr. Dube shared this warning in an interview with the Ghana News Agency. He spoke after a health emergency response meeting with Ghana Health Service officials. This meeting focused on six districts affected by cholera in the Central Region.

The purpose was to assess progress since the outbreak began in November 2024. It also served as a farewell for Mr. Dube, who is returning to South Africa after his service.

He emphasized personal hygiene, including regular hand washing, to prevent cholera spread. People should practice good sanitation and get vaccinated against the disease.

Mr. Dube highlighted the Red Cross Society's efforts against cholera outbreaks. They donated essential equipment like Veronica buckets and aqua tabs to aid local institutions. Additionally, they provided 54,192 cholera vaccines for vaccination campaigns in specific areas.

The Red Cross also recruited 205 volunteers across six districts: Agona West, Effutu, Mfantseman, Abura-Asiebu-Kwamankese, Cape Coast, and Twifo Hemang Lawer Denkyira. These volunteers raised awareness about preventive behaviors through discussions in schools and churches.

Since the outbreak began, combined efforts have reached over 94.1 percent of the target population with education and vaccination campaigns. Mr. Dube urged continued training for Ghanaian health staff in epidemic management.

He expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their ongoing support during this crisis. Mr. Mohammed Baidoo is the Central Regional Manager of Red Cross Ghana. He encouraged Ghanaians to prioritize personal hygiene and adopt better sanitation practices.

Mr. Baidoo explained that cholera is caused by contaminated food and water sources. It thrives where sanitation is poor and waste management is inadequate.

He called on communities to improve sanitation practices urgently. Public adherence to hygienic protocols like regular hand washing is crucial for prevention.

He condemned improper waste disposal habits that worsen cholera spread, such as opening faecal matter into drains. The Red Cross continues advocating for improved sanitation and behavioral changes to protect public health in Ghana.