GHS Urges Public Action as Cholera Becomes Seasonal Health Threat During Rains
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is urging Ghanaians to intensify cholera prevention efforts, with Director-General Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea warning that the disease has become a recurring public health challenge during the rainy season, alongside malaria and typhoid.
Speaking at a media briefing on the School-Based Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) Distribution and the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign, Dr Akoriyea said cholera outbreaks have become seasonal over the years, making preparedness a critical priority for both the Service and the public.
He disclosed that GHS has developed a phased strategy to tackle cholera and ensure the country is well-equipped to manage any potential outbreaks.
“One aspect of the strategy focuses on maintaining uninterrupted routine healthcare services while simultaneously activating emergency response systems to care for patients affected by cholera,” he explained.
Dr Akoriyea added that GHS has gone beyond emergency planning by identifying and designating specific health facilities across the country to receive and manage cholera cases.
He said the approach is intended to avoid overwhelming a single treatment centre, as experienced in previous outbreaks, and to ensure patients receive timely and quality care.
“Ghana’s response is now guided by experience and careful planning,” he said. “By decentralising treatment and strengthening the readiness of health facilities, the Service aims to improve coordination, reduce pressure on hospitals, and provide faster medical attention to affected communities.”
While assuring the public of the Service’s preparedness, the Director-General emphasised that GHS interventions alone cannot eliminate cholera.
He said preventing the disease requires active participation from every individual, household, and community.
He urged Ghanaians to adopt proper hygiene and environmental sanitation practices, including washing hands regularly with soap under running water, keeping homes and surroundings clean, disposing of waste responsibly, and ensuring drains and waterways are free of refuse to allow rainwater to flow and reduce flooding.
“Cholera is preventable and collective action remains the most effective way to protect lives,” Dr Akoriyea added.
“By working together and adhering to recommended public health measures, communities can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks and contribute to a healthier and safer Ghana.”
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