Barely three days into his tenure, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has hit the ground running by visiting the Upper West Region to assess the ongoing meningitis outbreak.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare and responding swiftly to public health emergencies.
During his visit, the Minister outlined seven key interventions aimed at controlling the spread of meningitis and improving healthcare access for affected communities.
To curb the outbreak, the Ministry of Health is implementing the following measures:
1️⃣ Public Sensitization – Awareness campaigns on local radio stations and information centers to educate communities about prevention and symptoms.
2️⃣ Rapid Response Team – A specialized team has been deployed from Accra to coordinate outbreak control efforts.
3️⃣ Essential Medications – Distribution of vital drugs, including antibiotics, to ensure prompt treatment of infected individuals.
4️⃣ Ambulance Services – Readily available ambulances will transport patients to referral centers for better medical care.
5️⃣ Free Treatment for Uninsured Patients – The government will provide free treatment for meningitis patients without National Health Insurance cards to ensure no one is left behind.
6️⃣ Isolation Centers Activation – Wa Regional Hospital and other facilities will reactivate isolation centers and redirect cases to designated treatment zones.
7️⃣ Case Management Teams – A dedicated medical team will work closely with ambulance services to ensure effective patient management.
Minister Akandoh emphasized that these interventions align with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system. “We are taking decisive action to protect lives and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare,” he stated.
The Ministry of Health hopes to bring the meningitis outbreak under control and prevent further casualties. The government urges citizens to stay informed and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms.
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