A cholera outbreak has been declared in Greater Accra Region (GAR), Ghana. As of October 11, 2024, a total of 93 suspected cases and 1 death have been reported. Nine cases were confirmed. The initial case was recorded on October 4, when an individual visited a healthcare facility with cholera-like symptoms a few days after attending a funeral in Ada East District (GAR)1. The last major cholera epidemic in Ghana occurred in 2014-2015, with over 28,000 cases reported2.
The main sources of drinking water for the affected communities include unprotected wells, boreholes and sachet water. The sanitation context is poor with open defecation common due to limited access to toilet facilities1.
Response activities are ongoing with regional and district rapid response teams activated. Initial challenges include limited funding, inadequate staff, lack of WASH3 facilities and disruption of routine services1. It is critical to quickly contain the outbreak in this populated urban setting.
1. Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate Cholera Outbreak-Situational Report No. 05 As At 6pm 11th October 2024.
2. WHO. Cholera cases officially reported to WHO by Member States, 2023.
3. WASH: water, sanitation and hygiene (eau, assainissement et hygiène)