Health facilities in Accra under pressure of mounting cholera cases

Korle -Bu Polyclinic is still overwhelmed with cholera cases. The isolation units are full to capacity. 

The Polyclinic despite this challenge is making frantic efforts to create more isolation centres to treat the increasing number of patients. 

Radio Ghana’s correspondent reports that authorities at the Polyclinic are worried as treated and discharged cholera patients are relapsing. 

Meanwhile, family members nursing cholera victims are at risk of infection since most of them are not protected from the disease. 

This is because those who cared for the relatives on admission are likely to carry the disease home and infect other members of their families. 

This might explain the rising number of cases. 

Health officials fear they might run out of medication to control the already worsening situation facing the country. 

The Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Linda Van-Otoo said contacting and tracing family members to administer the prophylaxis drug is also challenge. 

As part of efforts to curb the spread of Cholera, the Community Youth Cultural Centre and Value For Life, an NGO, have organised an anti-cholera campaign in Accra. 

The programme seeks to educate communities especially those with sanitation challenges on the need to keep their environment clean to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie said she is collaborating with the Deputy Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations, Dr Bernice Heloo to back the campaign which will serve the community and the country at large. 

In a related development, the National Coordinator in-charge of Human Security, Brigadier-General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, has challenged Ghanaians to pay attention to personal hygiene in the wake of the cholera outbreak and fear of Ebola. 

He said the disease has no respect for one's social standing. 

Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah who gave the caution in an interview with Radio Ghana said though government has put in place precautionary measures, observing personal hygiene such as keeping ones environment clean is critical to ensuring safety. 

Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah explained the essence of human security in contemporary times. 

Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah who is expected to receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree for his exceptional and dedicated service to humanity said he is humbled by the award as it will inspire the youth. 

The programme will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Former President Jerry John Rawlings, National Chief Imam and other personalities. 

GBC