Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has launched a public health education campaign following Monday's flooding, warning that such disasters can increase the risk of water-borne disease outbreaks.

Speaking after visiting flood victims, the Minister said the government was taking early action to prevent a public health crisis.

“Usually floods of this nature are followed by outbreaks. It is not automatic though, but usually we've seen that, especially every rainy season,” he said.

“So it is important to embark on this preventive exercise rather than waiting until the outbreak gets out of hand.”

Mr Akandoh cautioned that floodwaters contaminated with sewage and refuse could spread diseases including diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and malaria. He noted that cholera has previously claimed lives in Ghana.

“We think that if the country takes this education seriously, we will be able to prevent any consequential effects or diseases,” he said.

The Minister urged the public to observe basic hygiene measures, including washing hands regularly with soap and running water or using hand sanitiser, drinking only safe water, eating cooked food while it is still hot, and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.

He also assured the public that the government would supply health facilities with essential medical items, including oral rehydration salts (ORS) and intravenous (IV) fluids, to manage dehydration cases.

Mr Akandoh advised people experiencing symptoms of water-borne diseases to seek medical attention promptly.

“It is also important for the citizens to know that they should report to the nearest health facility with the symptoms of some of these diseases so that they can be saved on time,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Health would intensify public health education by directing Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and health centres to carry out sensitisation campaigns within communities to help prevent disease outbreaks following the floods.