By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
SEND Ghana has called on government to take swift action to curb the spread of cholera and meningitis.
It advised government to make urgent budgetary allocations to contain the spread, protect lives and prevent further loss of lives.
This call for a quick response is against the backdrop of an increasing spread of cholera across the country and rising cases of meningitis in the northern regions, an issue they consider worrying to the country’s public health.
“Government must take immediate action by making urgent budgetary allocations to contain the spread,” it asserted.
In a statement, it suggested the country must prioritise long-term preparedness and establish a dedicated and sustainable Public Health Emergency Fund to ensure a rapid and effective response to future outbreaks at both national and district levels.
They underscored the need for a well-funded public health emergency in the country’s health system, urging government to demonstrate its commitment to the country’s health sector with an investment in lasting disease prevention and preparedness.
“A well-funded public health emergency system will ensure rapid response, reduce casualties and protect lives. The new government must demonstrate its commitment to strengthening Ghana’s public health systems by investing in sustainable disease prevention and preparedness,” part of the release stated.
The cholera outbreak, which began in the Western and Central Regions in October, is steadily spreading to other areas including the Eastern, Greater Accra and Northern Regions.
Meanwhile, meningitis cases are also rising in parts of northern Ghana, posing an additional threat to public health.
According to them, the simultaneous outbreak of these diseases demands urgent and coordinated action to protect lives and prevent further escalation.
In October 2024, Ghana Health Service (GHS) recorded seven fatalities, 47 confirmed cases and 720 suspected instances of cholera in the Central Region.
These incidents were reported from eight of 22 districts in the region – including Awutu-Senya-East and West, Gomoa East, Mfantseman, Gomoa West, Agona West, Cape Coast and Twifo Hemang-Lower Denkyira.
According to a report by GHS cited by myjoyonline, the statistics on deaths and reported cholera cases in Central Region between February 6 and February 8, 2025 stands at 69 cases with two deaths.
Efutu recorded the highest with 36 cases and 2 deaths, followed by Agona West with 19 cases and no deaths while Gomoa Central, Cape Coast and Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem reported three, two and five cases respectively.
In addition to financial investments needed to strengthen the country’s health system, they also urged Ghana Health Service (GHS) to equip the Health Promotion Unit with the necessary resources to implement a comprehensive public education campaign on cholera and meningitis control.
SEND Ghana noted that GHS must employ the use of traditional, social media and community information centres to raise public awareness and interest.
With respect to the role of citizens in effectively managing the cholera and meningitis outbreaks, they urged adherence to the health protocols and guidance provided by the GHS.
SEND Ghana emphasised its commitment to advocating for stronger public health systems and continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure a safer and healthier Ghana for all.
