The Ministry of Health (MoH) has ramped up disease surveillance and emergency public health measures across flood-affected communities in Accra to prevent outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases following the recent heavy rains.
The intervention follows widespread flooding that submerged several parts of the capital, heightening concerns over poor sanitation, contaminated water sources and the spread of communicable diseases.
In a statement, the Ministry said the Minister for Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, had toured some of the worst-hit communities, including Circle VIP, Nii Boi Town Station and the Achimota-Alajo/Aloboshie enclave, to assess the situation and supervise the implementation of emergency health interventions.
Following the assessment, the Minister directed the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to intensify disease surveillance, strengthen community-based health interventions and expand public education campaigns on preventive health practices across affected districts.
The Ministry said health personnel had also been tasked to step up awareness campaigns with support from the media, traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions and other stakeholders to educate residents on measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
It disclosed that a multi-sectoral emergency meeting involving the Ghana Health Service, National Ambulance Service, Faith-Based Service Delivery Agencies, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Ministry of Local Government had already been convened to address urgent water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) challenges arising from the floods.
The Ministry further called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to collaborate closely with health authorities to enforce environmental sanitation regulations in flood-affected communities.
Food vendors were urged to observe strict food hygiene standards, while residents were advised to clear choked drains, eliminate stagnant water and maintain clean surroundings to minimise the risk of disease transmission.
The Ministry also warned that flooding could drive reptiles and other dangerous animals into residential areas, urging residents to remain alert and report any unusual sightings.
It assured the public that the health situation remained under control and that measures had been put in place to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.
The Ministry advised the public to drink safe water, eat thoroughly cooked food, wash their hands regularly with soap and water, seek prompt medical attention when unwell, and rely only on verified information from official sources.
