The Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured Ghanaians that the meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region is under control, urging collective action from all stakeholders to fully address the situation.
Speaking during a working visit to Wa, the minister emphasized that while the government and health stakeholders have intensified efforts to contain the outbreak, community members must also play an active role. He stressed the importance of early reporting of symptoms such as neck stiffness, coughing, and sneezing to health facilities for prompt detection and treatment.
“The number of deaths has significantly reduced, and I am pleased to announce that no fatalities have been recorded in the past week. This is a positive indication that the situation is under control,” Hon. Akandoh remarked.
The visit, aimed at assessing the outbreak, saw the minister accompanied by the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, and a team of officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.
Outbreak Details and Government Interventions
The Upper West Region has reported 94 suspected cases of meningitis across eight districts, with 20 confirmed cases and 14 deaths. The Nadowli-Kaleo District and the Nandom Municipality remain the hardest-hit areas, serving as epicentres of the outbreak.
To address the situation, the government has deployed a rapid response team to the region to strengthen the health system. This includes training healthcare workers in meningitis management and providing essential resources. Hon. Akandoh also announced free treatment for affected individuals with valid health insurance cards, a measure designed to alleviate financial barriers that have delayed early reporting of symptoms.
During the visit, the minister presented boxes of antibiotics to the Nadowli-Kaleo Health Directorate to support treatment efforts. He commended healthcare workers for their dedication and resilience in managing the outbreak and encouraged them to maintain their commitment.
Engagements with Health Workers and Communities
Hon. Akandoh interacted with staff at the Upper West Regional Hospital, Nadowli District Hospital, and health directorates in the region to evaluate their needs and challenges. He highlighted the importance of teamwork in building a robust healthcare system capable of handling such outbreaks effectively.
“If we all come together—government, healthcare workers, and the community—we can create a resilient health system that safeguards lives,” the minister stated.
He also issued a stern warning to health workers against negative attitudes toward patients, adding that any personnel found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action.
Visit to Queen of Peace Senior High School
The team concluded their visit at the Queen of Peace Senior High School in Nadowli, where meningitis cases had been recorded. Hon. Akandoh engaged with the school’s management and staff on measures to prevent further spread of the disease. He reiterated the importance of proper hygiene practices and early symptom reporting to mitigate the outbreak’s impact in schools and communities.
Call to Action
The Health Minister called on all stakeholders, including local authorities, traditional leaders, and community members, to intensify efforts to combat the outbreak. “With concerted efforts, we can save more lives and prevent future outbreaks,” he said.
Hon. Akandoh expressed optimism that the coordinated response measures would not only curb the current situation but also strengthen the region’s capacity to handle similar outbreaks in the future.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
