CSM deaths rise to 16; Speaker Bagbin leads Emergency Response as Meningitis Spreads in Upper West

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban SK Bagbin, has spearheaded the contribution of GHC 300,000 worth of medical supplies to the Upper West Region to help limit the spread of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the region.

This follows the Upper West Region experiencing an outbreak of meningitis, where 129 suspected cases have been reported, with 22 confirmed cases and a reported 16 fatalities.

The donated items include 8,400 doses of ceftriaxone injection, 1,600 doses of reception injection, 2,100 units of Ringers Lactate Injection, 2,100 units of normal saline, 12 packs of spinal needles, and 300 doses of dexamethasone.

Addressing health practitioners during the handing over of the medical items in Wa on Sunday, February 16, the speaker of parliament re-emphasized the importance of personal health, stating, “It’s your wealth, it’s your health. Any other thing is not yours.”

According to health authorities in the region, thirteen of the casualties were due to Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, and two are awaiting investigation. Currently, there are 29 patients receiving treatment at various health centers, with three in a critical state.

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The speaker backed the Upper West Caucus of MPs in Parliament to address the epidemic in Parliament as his first significant move to combat the deadly disease.

The Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Damien Punguyire, noted that all the districts but Sissala West and Wa East have been hit, the most recent being the Lawra District. To him, early detection remains key, since patients who are treated early in terms of time have a good survival rate.

”With all the support coming, first from the Minister of Health and now from the Right Honorable Speaker, we’re going to ensure that people do not die,” he assured.

Dr. Punguyire highlighted that initial deaths were largely due to delays in seeking treatment, particularly among individuals without active health insurance.

While under Ghana Health Service directives, treatments for all meningitis cases are now free of charge. Further, health officials have stepped up the public awareness campaigns and training for case management among health professionals.

Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis. Following an emergency session on February 10, he spearheaded the sensitization campaign on meningitis, valuing the crucial role publicity plays in preventing further fatalities.

The National Lottery Authority responded to a call for funds by donating GHC 100,000 towards the cost of transporting medical equipment and outreach efforts.

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The Minister urged for more collaboration with the speaker of parliament, saying, “I know that during the period, as a Member of Parliament and before his assumption of office as Speaker, he has done his best to help the Upper West Region.

“With his son now serving as Regional Minister, I will be forever at his doorstep begging for more help,” he said.