The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists has issued a statement admonishing the Ghanaian public, particularly those living in Effutu in the Central Region, to adopt measures to prevent them from getting infected with cholera.
Sixty-nine (69) cases have been recorded with two fatalities in the region with Effutu as the epicentre.
The association has therefore called for collaborative efforts to contain the speed of the outbreak and save lives.
It urged the public to avoid drinking water from untreated sources and only drink boiled or chlorinated water.
The professional body wants the public to wash their hands before eating, after visiting the toilet, or before handling food.
They further advised the public to eat thoroughly cooked meals and peeled fruits while encouraging them to report symptoms like severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or dehydration.
According to the statement issued by the Association, there is a critical role of laboratory testing in dealing with the outbreak.
It emphasised accurate and timely diagnosis since it is the backbone of outbreak control.
The association advised its members to conduct stool cultures and rapid tests to identify Vibrio cholerae, determine antibiotic sensitivity for effective case management, and also monitor outbreak trends to inform public health interventions.
It called for collaboration by urging the government and health authorities to strengthen lab capacity with supplies including test kits, reagents, and PPEs.
The Association also wants the expansion of vaccination campaigns to the Central Region following plans in Greater Accra Region and to accelerate public education on the prevention of cholera.
To health workers, it advised them to report suspected cases promptly for swift testing and isolation.
It further advised the public to adhere to hygiene practices, avoid misinformation, and also participate in community sensitisation programs.
Meanwhile, GAMLS says it stands ready to support communities and authorities and urged stakeholders to act decisively to protect lives and prevent the spread of the cholera outbreak.
“Cholera is a reflection of systemic gaps in water and sanitation—let this outbreak galvanise long-term investments in public health infrastructure.”
Read the full statement below
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
