By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, March 20 (GNA) - The suspected number of cholera cases in the Central Region has risen to 3,028, including 290 confirmed cases and 19 fatalities.
Dr. Mrs. Agnes Achiamaa Anane, the interim Regional Director of Health Services, made this announcement on Wednesday. She stated that as of Tuesday, March 18, four healthcare professionals were among those infected with confirmed cases.
However, she clarified that several of the victims had pre-existing conditions that worsened their situation, ultimately leading to their deaths.
At the 2024 Central Regional Annual Performance Review Meeting held in Cape Coast, she spoke as health officials from the Eastern Regional Health Directorate evaluated the region’s healthcare system and awarded it a high rating.
She noted that cholera continued to be a significant public health issue in the area, as evidenced by the latest outbreak, which highlighted deficiencies in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures.
"In response, we are stepping up our cholera prevention initiatives, implementing large-scale awareness programs, and enhancing monitoring and rapid-response systems to control and stop potential future outbreaks," she stated.
She urged residents to maintain good hygiene practices and avoid public defecation.
She observed that overall mortality in the area rose by 14 percent, with maternal mortality increasing from 71 cases per 100,000 live births in 2023 to 82 cases per 100,000 live births in 2024.
Despite this, the area experienced an overall enhancement in its health conditions, showing favorable developments in metrics such as the stillbirth rate, Measles-Rubella vaccination coverage, malaria incidence, mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, and numerous other sectors.
Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, criticized the subpar sanitary conditions prevalent in certain streets and communities within the region. He stated that this issue renders residents vulnerable to contagious illnesses and places an additional strain on the healthcare infrastructure.
He highlighted the importance of residents maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings as a means to fight the epidemic.
He praised the Regional Health Directorate and healthcare professionals in the area for their committed service and vowed to back them in all ways feasible to help them perform their duties more efficiently.
He emphasized the government's dedication to bolstering the health sector through various initiatives detailed in the budget aimed at enhancing nationwide medical services.
GNA
AT /LAA
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