By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Feb. 20, GNA â Data from the Upper West Regional Health Directorate indicates that the region has recorded five meningitis-related deaths and seven confirmed cases as of February 20, 2026, out of 34 suspected cases.
However, within the same period in the 2024/2025 meningitis season, the region recorded 134 suspected cases with 16 deaths.
This suggests a 14 per cent case fatality rate in the 2025/2026 meningitis season, compared to a seven (7) per cent fatality rate during the same period in the 2024/2025 season.
The data indicates that as of 20th February 2026, Wa Municipality recorded 12 suspected cases with a confirmed case and no death; Nadowli-Kaleo District, 12 suspected cases, three confirmed cases and two deaths; while Nandom Municipality recorded four suspected cases, one confirmed case and one death.
Others were: Jirapa Municipality, two suspected cases, one confirmed case and two deaths; Wa East, one suspected and one confirmed case with no death; while Sissala East and Wa West Districts recorded two and one suspected cases, respectively, with no deaths.
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, disclosed this during a working visit to the Upper West Region to assess the Meningitis situation in the region.
He attributed the high fatality rate to the delay in reporting to health facilities and peopleâs general negative health seeking bahviours.
The Director-General observed that the Upper West Region currently records the highest number of meningitis-related deaths among the regions on the meningitis belt.
Dr. Akoriyea, therefore, encouraged members of the public to report to the health facility in time when they experienced the symptoms, such as persistent headache, fever and stiffness of the neck, among others.
He also urged the public to stay hydrated with adequate water intake due to the extreme heat conditions within this period, as that was essential to reduce susceptibility to the meningitis bacteria.
Dr. Akoriyea also stressed the need for increased efforts by the personnel of the Ghana Health Service in the region in meningitis prevention through increased health promotion interventions.
âSearching for cases of meningitis, trying to control meningitis, is a way of health promotion and preventive measures that we need to take.
We need to strengthen our health facilities to receive patients around the clock so that people don’t dieâ, the Director General emphasised.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/George-Ramsey Benamba