The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has held a media briefing to discuss measures for combating the cholera outbreak in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The briefing focused on raising awareness about the disease's preventive measures and warning signs to prevent further spread. During the event, the Metro Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Innocent Haligah, expressed gratitude towards the media for their consistent involvement in promoting development within the Metropolis. He confirmed that the area had recorded cholera cases and reassured the public that steps were being taken to halt the spread of the disease. He emphasized the importance of community education, calling for increased focus on sanitation and the organization of frequent clean-up exercises to limit the outbreak.

The Metro Health Director, Dr. Pius Mensah, who provided an update on the situation, revealed 161 suspected cases, 28 confirmed and 5 deaths. Of the suspected cases, 56 were female and 105 males. He stressed that cholera is a deadly disease that can kill within hours and urged the public to seek immediate treatment if they experience symptoms such as frequent diarrhoea and vomiting. Dr. Mensah noted that many of the cases reported initially were traced to food vendors, but the situation has changed to community-based transmissions, which require immediate attention. He reported that the New Takoradi community had the highest number of cases, followed by Takoradi, Kansaworado, and Kwekuma, among others. Dr. Mensah pointed out that local chiefs, Assembly Members and other opinion leaders have been consulted, especially in the affected communities to organize durbar to promote healthy practices. He further mentioned that cholera treatment is free at all public health facilities. He added that the regional health directorate has arranged with the private health facilities to treat cholera cases free and submit their claims for reimbursement. He urged the public to adopt measures such as frequent handwashing under running water and be mindful of where they buy food and water for consumption.

The Metro Environmental Health Officer, Mr. David Lamptey, outlined the actions his team has taken to combat the outbreak. He stated that Environmental Health Officers have been dispatched to communities, households, schools, public toilets, and water producers to raise awareness and educate the public. The STMA has also collaborated with the Efia Kwesimintim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) to prevent the situation from worsening. Mr. Lamptey also highlighted efforts to educate vegetable farmers on safe irrigation practices, specifically discouraging the use of drain water for crop irrigation. Additionally, public information centres and radio stations are being utilized to spread messages about healthy living, with special attention given to market centres and other public places where fumigation exercises have already began. He pointed out that his team, together with the Health Directorate, will continue to work diligently to prevent further spread and encourage the public to take proactive steps to protect their health.

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