Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister for Health, has commended health professionals in the Upper West Region for their dedication to containing the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).
Speaking during his working visit to assess the situation, he assured residents of the government’s continued support in tackling the disease.
“We are here today, and let us use this opportunity to thank the health professionals who have sacrificed so much to contain the disease at this point,” Mr. Mintah stated.
“We appreciate their efforts, and going forward, we will provide whatever it takes to contain this disease.”
The minister revealed that the government has already supplied essential medical items, including a sufficient stock of antibiotics used in treatment.
He emphasized that treatment for suspected cases would be free of charge.
“The directive is clear: anyone experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or neck stiffness should quickly report to the nearest health facility. Do not wait for the situation to worsen,” he urged.
In addition to medical supplies, a rapid response team from Accra had been deployed ahead of his visit.
The health minister noted that these experts were on the field assisting local health workers in managing cases and providing training to ensure continuity in their efforts.
“We have dispatched the rapid response team, and they are already on the ground supporting local staff. Even after they return to Accra, the trained personnel will be capable of handling cases effectively,” he explained.
He further called on the media to play an active role in sensitizing the public about CSM, stressing that health crises require collective action.
“Diseases do not recognize color, gender, or religion. Let’s all contribute to public education so that we can combat this outbreak effectively,” he urged.
Providing an update on the outbreak, Mr. Mintah disclosed that the region had recorded 94 suspected cases, of which 20 had been confirmed. He, however, noted that no new deaths had been recorded in the past week, keeping the death toll at 14.
“The good news is that for the past week, we have not recorded any deaths. The disease is well-contained, and there is no cause for panic. Everyone should remain calm and report symptoms early,” he assured.
The minister expressed confidence in the commitment and energy of health professionals in the region.
“I am encouraged by the enthusiasm of the health workers here. In some outbreaks, you arrive to find exhausted personnel, but here, their energy is reassuring. If we continue to support and motivate them, they will do an even better job,” he stated.
He concluded by urging the public to take early detection seriously, cautioning that late hospital arrivals had contributed to fatalities.
“The sad reality is that some patients arrive at the hospital already deceased. Early detection is key to preventing deaths, and we must all take responsibility,” he advised.
Voice of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
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