The Typhoid Foundation, in collaboration with the Birim Central Municipal Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, has launched a typhoid fever awareness campaign in Akyem Aboabo, located in the Eastern Region.
The campaign emphasised the importance of vaccination and sanitation to protect vulnerable communities.
The launch featured various engaging activities, including drama performances, poetry recitals by schoolchildren, and a vibrant float along the principal streets of Akyem Aboabo.
Participants held placards with messages such as “Typhoid fever is real, prevent it now,” “Typhoid affects all,” “Early treatment saves lives,” “Clean water saves lives,” and “Break the silence, share typhoid stories.”
Mrs Anita Asiedu Marfo, the Executive Director of the Typhoid Foundation, highlighted the campaign’s commitment to educating the public about typhoid fever’s symptoms, causes, and preventive measures.
She explained that typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, often spread through contaminated food and water.
Symptoms may include chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
The Foundation aims to collaborate with government agencies, organisations, and communities to ensure equitable access to healthcare and clean drinking water.
It also provides training and resources to healthcare professionals and the public on typhoid prevention and control.
Mrs Marfo appealed for support from philanthropists and stakeholders to help achieve the Foundation’s goal of saving lives.
Mr Bismark Sakordie, the Birim Central Municipal Health Director, stressed that typhoid fever remained a significant public health concern in the municipality, which recorded the highest number of cases in the Eastern Region in 2024.
A total of 15,761 cases were documented in 2024, comprising 10,297 females and 5,464 males, compared to 11,766 cases in 2023, with 8,151 females and 3,615 males.
He noted that children, market women, food vendors, and families living in unsanitary areas are most affected by typhoid fever.
Mr Sakordie urged the urgent need for preventive measures such as proper sanitation, community education, handwashing with soap under running water, maintaining high hygienic standards among food vendors, proper waste disposal, avoiding open defecation, using treated water sources, boiling water before drinking, and vaccination as one of the most effective solutions.
To mark the launch of the campaign, the Typhoid Foundation distributed exercise books to local schools, including El-Shaddai L/A Primary School, Presbyterian Primary School, and Salvation Army Primary School, all in Akyem Aboabo.