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The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, have visited Wa in the Upper West Region to evaluate the ongoing meningitis outbreak and strengthen local response efforts.
The high-profile visit, which took place on February 12, 2025, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of intervention measures, supporting healthcare workers on the frontline, and engaging key regional stakeholders in addressing the health crisis.
During the visit, the officials held crucial discussions with the Upper West Regional Minister and the Wa Naa, Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV. Their talks focused on coordinated strategies to manage the outbreak effectively, enhance community awareness, and prepare for future health emergencies.
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The delegation then proceeded to the Nadowli Kaleo District, where they engaged the District Coordinating Director and assessed the on-ground response to the outbreak.
The minister and his team also toured the Nadowli Kaleo District Hospital, one of the key facilities treating meningitis cases in the region.
At the district hospital, the health officials interacted with medical staff and patients, ensuring that the necessary support was being provided to manage the situation. The visit also saw the delivery of essential medical supplies, including drugs and protective equipment, to aid healthcare workers in their fight against the disease.
Minister Akandoh emphasised the critical role of early detection and rapid medical intervention in containing the spread of meningitis. He advised community members to seek medical attention immediately if they exhibited symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, and neck stiffness.
“It is better to have more people turning up early for testing and treatment than waiting until symptoms worsen. Timely medical intervention can save lives,” he stated.
The Wa Naa, Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV, assured the health officials of his full support in ensuring communities adhere to preventive measures. He commended the swift action taken by the Ministry of Health and the GHS and pledged that traditional leaders would work closely with health authorities to control the outbreak.
“We stand with you in this fight and will ensure our communities take the necessary steps to help curb the spread of this disease,” the Wa Naa affirmed.
Accompanying the health minister on the visit was his technical advisor, Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams. The Ghana Health Service stated that the visit would help officials reassess the effectiveness of ongoing response efforts and fine-tune strategies aimed at preventing further infections.
The meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region has raised serious public health concerns, necessitating a comprehensive response to contain its impact. Health officials continue to urge residents to avoid overcrowded spaces, practice good hygiene, and promptly report any symptoms associated with the disease.
The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service remain committed to ensuring that all necessary resources and support are made available to combat the outbreak effectively.
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