Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, has reassured the public that the Meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region is now under control, urging continued collaboration among stakeholders to manage the situation effectively.
While commending the government’s and health sector’s efforts to contain the disease, Akandoh emphasized the importance of community participation in early reporting of symptoms to health facilities for prompt diagnosis and treatment. He encouraged individuals to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as neck stiffness, coughing, or sneezing.
The Minister shared that no new deaths had been recorded in the past week, adding, “I am excited that the situation is under control.”
Akandoh made this statement during a working visit to Wa, where he assessed the current Meningitis situation. He was accompanied by Professor Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service, along with other Ministry and health service staff.
To date, the region has reported 94 suspected cases of Meningitis across eight districts and municipalities, with 20 confirmed cases and 14 fatalities. The Nadowli-Kaleo District and Nandom Municipality are the areas most affected.
Assuring continued government support, Akandoh highlighted the deployment of a rapid response team to the region to assist with health system support, including training staff on Meningitis management. He also acknowledged that financial constraints have contributed to delays in seeking medical care, with people not reporting symptoms early enough.
As part of the ongoing response, the government has announced free treatment for individuals in the affected districts who have active health insurance cards and exhibit Meningitis symptoms. Akandoh also donated boxes of antibiotics to the Nadowli-Kaleo Health Directorate to aid in Meningitis treatment and management.
During his visit, the Minister engaged with health staff at the Regional and Nadowli-Kaleo District Health Directorates, as well as personnel at the Upper West Regional Hospital and Nadowli District Hospital. He praised the dedication of the healthcare workers and encouraged them to remain committed to the fight against Meningitis.
“We must all work together to create a strong health system in the country,” he said. “The key takeaway is that the number of deaths is drastically reducing.”
Akandoh also warned health staff against any negative behavior towards patients, urging them to treat individuals with respect and professionalism, warning that any misconduct would result in disciplinary action.
The team visited the Queen of Peace Senior High School in Nadowli, where Meningitis cases had been reported, to discuss preventative measures and help control the spread of the disease.
