Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has assured that the Meningitis situation in the Upper West Region is under control, calling for concerted efforts from stakeholders to curb the menace.
He noted that while the government and health-sector stakeholders had intensified measures to contain the situation, community members must also play their part by reporting early to health facilities when they develop Meningitis symptoms for timely detection, management, and treatment.
The minister stated that no death had been recorded in the past week, adding, “I am excited that the situation is under control.”
Mr. Akandoh made these remarks in Wa during a working visit to assess the Meningitis situation in the region.
He was accompanied by the Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, along with officials from the ministry and the Ghana Health Service.
The region has so far recorded 94 suspected cases of Meningitis across eight districts and municipalities, with 20 confirmed cases and 14 deaths. The Nadowli-Kaleo District and Nandom Municipality remain the epicentres of the disease.
Mr. Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the outbreak, announcing that a rapid response team had been deployed to the region to support the health system, including staff training on Meningitis management.
He acknowledged that financial constraints had led to delayed reporting of symptoms such as neck stiffness, coughing, and sneezing.
As part of efforts to address the situation, the government has introduced free treatment for people in affected districts who have active health insurance cards and exhibit Meningitis symptoms.
The minister also presented boxes of antibiotics to the Nadowli-Kaleo Health Directorate to aid in Meningitis treatment and management.
During his visit, he interacted with health staff at the Regional and Nadowli-Kaleo District Health Directorates, as well as personnel at the Upper West Regional Hospital and the Nadowli District Hospital.
He commended the health workers for their dedication and urged them to remain committed to the fight against Meningitis.
“If we all put our heads together, we can create a strong health system in the country,” he said.
“We will continue to do our best to ensure the smooth running of facilities to contain the situation. What is very important is that the number of deaths is drastically reducing,” he added.
Mr. Akandoh also cautioned health workers against negative attitudes towards patients, warning that those found culpable would face sanctions.
The team later visited the Queen of Peace Senior High School in Nadowli, where Meningitis cases had been recorded, to engage with school management on prevention and control measures.
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