By Godfred A. Polkuu
Bolgatanga, March 10, GNA – Dr Samuel Kwabena Boakye-Boateng, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has appealed to journalists to create awareness on Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) and cholera in the Region.
“I appeal to the entire media fraternity and media houses in the Region to use your noble platforms to help create awareness and generate demand for early healthcare seeking to engender and sustain the desired positive health outcomes,” he said.
Dr Boakye-Boateng, who has been reassigned to the GHS Headquarters as Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PPMED), made the appeal when he briefed journalists drawn from various media outlets in the Region on CSM and cholera situation in the Region.
He said, though the Region recorded 31 suspected cases of CSM with two deaths, there was no meningitis outbreak in the Region, and called for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to prevent any possible spread of the disease.
He acknowledged the critical role of journalists in disseminating information to members of the public and urged them to complement the efforts of health professionals to continue to educate community members on CSM and cholera to prevent any possible outbreak in the Region.
“Your invaluable support and collaboration have played a significant role, spurring us on in our forward march towards the achievement of universal access to quality health care for all people living in the Upper East Region.
“Notably, this effective partnership has ensured that the Region is always counted among the best performing Regions in terms of quality healthcare delivery in Ghana,” the outgoing Regional Director said.
Dr Boakye-Boateng said from January 1, 2025, to March 2, 2025, the Upper West Region had recorded a total of 196 suspected cases, 34 confirmed, with 17 deaths, while the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Eastern, Western and Central Regions recorded cholera cases.
“We are just a few hours away from getting imported cases from the affected Regions due to active population mobility across the country,” the Director said.
He expressed confidence that with the support of the media and other stakeholders including the Regional Coordinating Council, Municipal and District Assemblies, opinion leaders among others, meningitis and cholera spread could be prevented in the Region.
“Together, we can prevent the spread of meningitis and cholera, and protect the health of our communities,” Dr Boakye-Boateng told journalists.
He encouraged community members to report any suspected cases of meningitis and cholera to the nearest health facility, especially people who may travel from any of the affected Regions to the Upper East.
Dr Boakye-Boateng said management of the Service in the Region had intensified community engagement activities to educate residents on symptoms, prevention and the importance of early treatment.
He noted that there was continual health education in health facilities, coupled with District level radio discussions on preventive measures, with emphasis on early reporting at all levels.
“The GHS continues to urge people who have diarrhea and vomiting to immediately report to the nearest health facility for early case management to improve survival rate.
“We entreat people to drink potable water, eat hot foods, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming, and wash hands with soap under running water before handling food and after visiting the toilet and touching surfaces,” Dr Boakye-Boateng said.
GNA
FAA/GRB