KEY POINTS
- The meningitis outbreak in Upper West has killed 14 people.
- Lawmakers demand urgent action and stronger disease control measures.
- The Ghana Health Service must explain delays in response.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has been instructed by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bernard Ahiafor to act immediately to contain the cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak, which has killed 14 people in the Upper West Region and resulted in 60 cases with a 23.33% fatality rate.
Meningitis outbreak in Upper West claims 14 lives
Dr. Sebastian Sandare, the Daffiama Bussie Issa Member of Parliament, demanded immediate action to stop the spread at a parliamentary session on Thursday, February 6.
This need more effective disease control strategies. In order to limit and stop the spread, Mr. Speaker, I implore the government, Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other relevant parties to offer prompt technical, financial, and logistical assistance,” he stated.
According myjoyonline, in order to guarantee ongoing funding for disease outbreaks, Dr. Sandare also emphasized the necessity of cross-border cooperation and suggested creating a Public Health Emergency Fund.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the minority chief whip, urged Parliament to call GHS officials to account for their tardiness and chastised health authorities for their lack of promptness.
Minority Chief Whip criticizes slow response from health authorities
“The Ghana Health Service is still operational, but the Health Minister has not yet been sworn in. He stated that public health authorities who get funding from taxpayers must be held responsible.
He warned that inaction would make the situation worse and questioned whether the outbreak was caused by carelessness or a lack of vaccines.
There has to be a reason. Is there not enough vaccinations? Were they not expecting this? They’re dozing off at work. “GHS needs to come forward and answer questions,” he continued.
