Seth Kwame Acheampong

The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, has assured the public that health authorities are containing 19 cholera cases recorded in the Abuakwa South and New Juaben North Municipalities.

This comes amid a broader cholera outbreak in Ghana, with about 10 deaths and multiple cases reported in the Greater Accra and Central Regions.

Speaking at the second meeting of the Regional Coordinating Council in Koforidua, the Minister revealed that five districts in the Eastern Region initially reported suspected cholera cases.

However, confirmed cases were recorded in only two districts—Abuakwa South and New Juaben North.

As of November 19, the region had recorded a total of 19 suspected cases.

The Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong noted that all confirmed cases have been discharged, with no reported fatalities.

He said the Regional Health Directorate has implemented several measures to manage the outbreak, including:Sharing cholera case definitions with all health facilities,sensitizing clinicians on case management and infection prevention and control (IPC), and conducting widespread health education campaigns.

Additionally, surveillance efforts continue for cholera, influenza, and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) across the region’s health facilities and communities.

Addressing other health matters in the region during the year under review, the Eastern Regional Minister listed
Malaria,Respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infections, Rheumatism
Arthritis, Hypertension,Anaemia
Gastroenteritis, Intestinal worms and
Diabetes mellitus as top ten diseases recorded in the region.

He however noted the region’s top causes of mortality include essential hypertension, pneumonia, cerebral ischemic stroke, and hypertensive heart disease.

The Regional Minister urged the public to remain vigilant, prioritize personal health, and adhere to preventive measures to combat these health challenges.

The Eastern Region, with 33 districts, is served by 41 hospitals, 5 polyclinics, 153 health centres, and 903 CHPS compounds.

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah