TYPHOID SURGE PROMPTS NKWANTA SOUTH TO TIGHTEN FOOD VENDOR SCREENING

It is, however, regrettable that most leaders in the country appear reactive rather than proactive. They often wait for outbreaks and crises to escalate before treating them with urgency. In many cases, officials deliver long speeches filled with promises, only to later appeal for external assistance, instead of taking early preventive action to safeguard the lives of citizens.

The Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly in the Oti Region has announced plans to intensify health screening for food vendors following a disturbing surge in typhoid fever cases.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Joseph Awal disclosed that over 2,000 cases of typhoid fever have been recorded in the municipality this year alone, describing the situation as an urgent public health concern.

“Typhoid is preventable, and as an assembly, we cannot sit back and watch our people suffer from diseases that can be avoided,” Mr. Awal stated. He emphasized that food vendors will be required to strictly comply with hygiene and safety standards before being allowed to operate.

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads mainly through the consumption of food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Symptoms include high fever, headache, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weakness, and diarrhea or constipation. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation and, in some cases, death.

The Oti Region has so far reported more than 23,000 cases of typhoid fever in the first half of 2025, underscoring the scale of the outbreak.

Causes and Prevention

Health experts identify poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and inadequate handwashing practices as the leading causes of the disease. To curb its spread, public health officials recommend:

• Drinking clean, treated, or boiled water.
• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or cooking.
• Ensuring food is well-cooked and stored safely.
• Avoiding raw or undercooked street food from unverified sources.
• Regular medical screening for food vendors to detect and treat carriers early.

Assembly’s Response

As part of its response, the assembly will implement a comprehensive screening programme for all food vendors to ensure compliance with sanitation and food-handling regulations. Educational campaigns will also be rolled out to raise awareness among vendors and consumers about proper hygiene practices.

Presiding Member of the Assembly, Edward Yeligne, added that sanitation bylaws are being strictly enforced. He said new measures, coupled with intensified public education, will be introduced in the coming weeks to contain the outbreak.

He further encouraged residents to participate in the National Sanitation Day exercise, reintroduced by President John Mahama, noting that cleaner surroundings are key to reducing the spread of typhoid and other communicable diseases.

Public health officials have warned that while typhoid is preventable, the rising cases in Oti Region call for urgent collective action by government, food vendors, and residents to protect lives and livelihoods.