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The ongoing cholera outbreak in Ghana has resulted in 37 fatalities as of December 26, 2024, with confirmed cases increasing from 346 to 359, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The Western Region remains the hardest hit, reporting two additional deaths and 37 hospitalizations. Out of the 37 deaths recorded nationwide, five individuals were brought to health facilities already deceased.
A total of 4,618 suspected cases have been documented across 91 districts in Ghana, with confirmed cases now spanning 46 districts, an increase from the previous 44. New infections have emerged in Agona East (Central Region) and La Nkwantanang Madina (Greater Accra Region).
In response, the GHS has mobilized multi-sectoral rapid response teams at national, regional, and district levels to contain the outbreak and provide critical support to affected areas.
Efforts to manage the situation include robust contact tracing, with 9,667 contacts identified, of whom 8,667 have completed the mandatory five-day follow-up. Hospitalizations have decreased from 64 to 46 during the reporting period, reflecting some progress in controlling the spread.
The Western Region has also seen the successful conclusion of Phase 2 of the sub-national Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign, held from December 15 to 18, 2024. Targeting high-risk districts such as Sekondi-Takoradi, Effia Kwesimintsim, Shama, and Ahanta West, the campaign achieved a 92.9% coverage rate, vaccinating 596,205 people.
To further curb the spread, GHS has intensified testing of food vendors and water sources in affected districts while urging the public to adhere to strict hygiene practices.
The GHS continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that collective efforts from health authorities, local governments, and communities are crucial to halting the outbreak.
