By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
Accra, March 24. GNA – Pharmanova Limited has donated Cholera and Meningitis treatment medications to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to help curb the outbreak of the two diseases in the country.
The medications worth GHS 200,000, comprised antibiotics, cholera replacement fluid, infusions, and paracetamol for the treatment of the two infectious diseases.
Mr David Klutse, Chief Operating Officer, Pharmanova and Atlantic Group, said the medications presented were highly effective for the treatment and recovery of patients.
Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the GHS, who received the commodities, said the medicines provided were the right ones needed to fight cholera and meningitis, and the quantities donated will support a large number of affected patients.
He stated that the cholera outbreak has been under control in the last few weeks, stating that only a few cases have been recorded with no case on admission.
Data from the GHS shows that as of March 17, the nation recorded 6,895 suspected cases, 602 confirmed infections and 51 deaths.
It shows that in the last few weeks, 24 new suspected cases were recorded in the Central Region.
In the districts, nine new suspected cases were recorded from Cape Coast, five from KEEA, five from Abura Asebu Kwamankese, four cases from Efutu and one case from Mfantsiman.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera remains a global threat to public health and serves as an indicator of inequity and a lack of social development.
Symptoms of cholera include frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, along with abdominal cramps, fever, headache, fatigue, dry mouth and throat, and decreased urine output.
Medical experts warn that severe cases of the disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
Most individuals infected with cholera may not exhibit symptoms, but the bacteria can still be present in their feaces for 1 to 10 days post-infection, potentially contaminating the environment and infecting others.
A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.
Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Typical at-risk areas include peri-urban slums, as well as camps for internally displaced persons.
Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing complications and reducing mortality.
The Ghana Health Service has advised the public to drink safe treated water, eat well cooked or properly handled food, avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice good hygiene; wash hands with soap under running water, ensure a proper disposal of faeces and report to the nearest health facility if experiencing profuse diarrhoea and vomiting.
GNA.
SOF