The highly preventable cholera outbreak tragedy

The ongoing cholera outbreak is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of systemic failures in public health and sanitation. Multiple lives – already in the double digits – have been lost, and nearly 800 suspected cases have been recorded as of December 7, with daily infections exceeding 60. These figures, grim as they are, represent a failure to act on preventable circumstances.

In many ways, it demonstrates that we have not learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity of hygiene. Cholera thrives on neglect—neglect of basic sanitation, waste management, and public health education. While health officials grapple with the surge, deploying teams and realigning emergency care plans, the conditions enabling the spread of the disease remain largely unchanged.

Open defecation, poor handwashing practices and the consumption of contaminated food are not novel issues. They have been raised repeatedly in reports, yet efforts to address them have fallen short of meaningful change.

The Western Region, now the epicenter of the outbreak, highlights how uneven infrastructure and lack of investment in sanitation disproportionately affect certain areas. Regions like Greater Accra and Central, which have seen fewer cases, offer a contrast that reflects the disparities in public health preparedness across the country. Without sustained and equitable investment, such outbreaks will persist, particularly in underserved regions.

The Ghana Health Service deserves commendation for its rapid response, including the provision of free treatment to affected individuals including the swift vaccine rollout. However, this reactive approach, while crucial in saving lives, is no substitute for proactive measures. Public health crises like this one demand a multisectoral response that extends beyond the walls of hospitals.

Sanitation and waste management systems must be strengthened. This means providing infrastructure for proper waste disposal, enforcing regulations to curb open defecation, and investing in sustainable water and sanitation projects. Also, public education campaigns must go beyond periodic bursts of activity. Hygiene education should be integrated into community life, schools, and workplaces, fostering long-term behavioural change.

Equally important is the role of local government and community leaders. Grassroots engagement is vital in changing cultural practices and ensuring accountability in sanitation efforts. This crisis is not just a failure of institutions but also of collective societal will.

Cholera outbreaks are not inevitable. They are symptoms of neglect and can be eradicated through concerted effort. We must collectively seize this moment not only to address the immediate crisis but also to lay the groundwork for a healthier future. The cost of inaction is measured in lives lost, and that price is too high to pay.

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