Ada: Madam Sarah Dugbaki Pobee, Ada East District Chief Executive (DCE), has expressed concern over the increased risk of the spread of cholera in the district, particularly in coastal areas where open defecation is prevalent. The DCE urged residents to adopt proper sanitation practices, emphasizing that "open defecation along the coastline not only endangers individual health but also compromises the entire community's well-being." According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Pobee, in an interview in Ada, called on assembly members and traditional leaders to intensify efforts to promote hygiene and ensure the availability of public toilets and sanitation facilities to curb the spread of the disease. Her remarks came following reports of a cholera outbreak in the Ada West and Ada East districts of the Greater Accra Region, with nine cases confirmed as of October 11, 2024. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in a press release confirmed the cases and disclosed that it has activated Public Health Emergency Management Co mmittees (PHEMCs) at national, regional, and district levels to tackle the outbreak. The first case was reported on October 4, 2024, after an individual attended a funeral in Ada East and presented with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, with subsequent cases confirmed in both Ada West and Ada East districts. To combat the outbreak, the GHS announced it has "activated a joint multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Rapid Response Team (PHERRT), conducted ongoing outbreak investigation and environmental assessment, sent alerts to all health facilities nationwide, identified and traced contacts, sensitized healthcare workers on case management and infection control, and established a cholera oral rehydration center for mild cases." The Ghana Health Service also noted that it is working closely with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ghana Education Service (GES), National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and Environmental Health Units to contain the outbreak. Residen ts interviewed by GNA showed mixed reactions to the outbreak. While some blamed the Environmental Health Department for poor enforcement of sanitation laws, others accused residents of poor sanitation practices. Mr. Amanatey Kwabie, a local, disclosed that some residents ease themselves into black plastic bags and dump them into the gutters, contributing to the cholera outbreak in the area. ZCZC

Earth Rock Prestige Limited Boosts Healthcare in Gwira with New Ambulance Donation

Bamianko: Earth Rock Prestige Limited, a private company operating in the Gwira Traditional Area, has recently donated an ambulance to the Bamianko Health Centre located in the Nzema-East Municipality. This vehicle is intended to enhance the center's emergency response capabilities, particularly for transferring critical patients to nearby polyclinics and hospitals. According to Ghana News Agency, the donation was made following a request from the Gwiraman Traditional Council, which sought assistance from Earth Rock Prestige Limited to bolster the healthcare services at Bamianko Health Centre. During a ceremony in Bamianko, Western Region, Mr. Emmanuel Kutubebi, CEO of Earth Rock Prestige Limited, handed over the ambulance keys. He emphasized that this contribution is part of the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility, aiming to ensure that the health center is better equipped to serve the community. Mr. Kutubebi highlighted the ongoing support his company plans to provide, including refurb ishing and upgrading the health facility. He also clarified that the ambulance should be used exclusively for transporting patients in critical conditions, not for carrying deceased individuals. Dr. Frank Kessie, Deputy Physician at Bamianko Health Centre, expressed his gratitude towards the Gwiraman Traditional Council and Awulae Angama Tu-Adjan, the Paramount Chief, for their efforts in acquiring the ambulance. Dr. Kessie described the challenges the center faces, particularly the lack of an ambulance previously, which complicated the referral process to other medical facilities. The ceremony was chaired by Awulae Angama Tu-Adjan, who is also the Vice-President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs. He acknowledged the significant role of effective healthcare in national development and urged the government to consider upgrading the Bamianko Health Centre to a polyclinic or a full-fledged hospital to meet the growing needs of the population. The Paramount Chief also recognized Earth Rock Prestige Limite d for its previous contributions, including another ambulance donation to Gwira-Banso and ongoing construction projects for community infrastructure.