Pharmaceutical Society Warns of Disease Risk After Floods

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has warned of a high risk of disease outbreaks following the recent devastating floods, urging residents in affected communities to observe strict hygiene and sanitation measures to prevent a secondary public health crisis.

The Society said while emergency agencies continue rescue and relief operations, equal attention must now be paid to preventing the spread of waterborne and vector borne diseases that often follow major flooding.

The warning comes after one of the worst flood disasters in recent years hit parts of Greater Accra, submerging homes, businesses, and major roads. The floods displaced hundreds of residents, destroyed property, and claimed several lives. Communities in the Greater Accra, Central, and Volta regions were among the hardest hit.

In a statement issued and signed by its President, Pharm. Paul Owusu Donkor, PSGH expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and sympathised with those displaced or injured. “The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana extends its deepest sympathies to all individuals, families, and communities affected by the devastating floods,” the statement said.

The Society assured the public that pharmacists across the country remain committed to supporting affected communities and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and pharmaceutical care.

According to PSGH, floodwaters create ideal conditions for outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoeal diseases, hepatitis A, malaria, skin infections, and other communicable diseases. These risks are worsened by contaminated water, poor sanitation, overcrowding in temporary shelters, and disruptions to healthcare services.

The Society stressed that preventing such outbreaks requires immediate action by individuals, healthcare workers, local authorities, and communities. It called on pharmacists, community pharmacies, and hospital pharmacies in flood affected areas to serve as frontline healthcare providers. They should offer first aid, counsel residents on disease prevention, ensure continuous access to medicines, and promptly refer seriously ill patients to health facilities.

PSGH also urged pharmacies to maintain adequate stocks of oral rehydration salts, disinfectants, water purification products, insect repellents, and other essential health commodities needed during flood emergencies. Health experts say the warning is timely, as Ghana has experienced repeated flooding in recent years, often followed by outbreaks of cholera and malaria. They argue that stronger public health measures, combined with community awareness, are critical to reducing the impact of disasters.