Suspected cholera cases in the Central Region have reached 3,028, with 290 confirmed and 19 deaths.

Dr. Agnes Achiamaa Anane, the Acting Regional Director of Health Services, announced this on Wednesday, stating that four health workers are among those with confirmed infections as of Tuesday, March 18.

She explained that some of the casualties had comorbidities that aggravated their condition, leading to their demise.

Speaking at the 2024 Central Regional annual performance review meeting in Cape Coast—where the region’s health system was appraised by health officials from the Eastern Regional Health Directorate with a high score—she observed that cholera remained a major public health concern. The recent outbreak, she noted, exposed gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions.

“In response, we are intensifying cholera prevention efforts, conducting mass awareness campaigns, and strengthening surveillance and early response mechanisms to contain and prevent future outbreaks,” she said.

She urged citizens to practice proper sanitation and stop open defecation.

Dr. Anane also noted that overall mortality in the region increased by 14%, with maternal mortality rising from 71 per 100,000 live births in 2023 to 82 per 100,000 live births in 2024.

Despite these challenges, the region recorded positive health outcomes in areas such as the stillbirth rate, Measles-Rubella coverage, malaria incidence, and mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, denounced the poor sanitation conditions in some streets and communities, which he said made residents susceptible to infectious diseases and placed a burden on the health system.

He emphasized the need for citizens to keep their environments clean to help combat the outbreak.

Commending the Regional Health Directorate and health workers for their dedication, he pledged his full support to help them deliver effective healthcare services.

Eduamoah also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the health system, citing various measures outlined in the national budget to enhance healthcare delivery.