The First Deputy Speaker of  Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has called on the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to take urgent action following a deadly outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in the Upper West Region.

As of February 6, the disease has claimed 14 lives and resulted in 60 reported cases, with a case fatality rate of 23.33%. The outbreak has raised alarm among lawmakers and health officials.

Dr. Sebastian Sandare, Member of Parliament for Daffiama Bussie Issa, made an impassioned plea for swift intervention during a statement in Parliament. He called on the government, the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other relevant organizations to mobilize resources immediately to control and prevent further spread of the disease.

“This calls for urgent, enhanced disease control measures,” Dr. Sandare said. “I appeal to all stakeholders to provide the necessary technical, financial, and logistical support.”

He also highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration to stop the spread and suggested the creation of a Public Health Emergency Fund to ensure future outbreaks are properly managed.

The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, sharply criticized the response of health authorities, calling for the GHS to be summoned to Parliament to explain the slow action. He questioned whether the outbreak was due to vaccine shortages or negligence.

“We cannot always blame politicians. Public health officials, paid with taxpayers’ money, must be held accountable,” Annoh-Dompreh said. “The Ghana Health Service must explain why this has been allowed to escalate.”

In response, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor directed the Ministry of Health to implement immediate remedial actions. These include raising awareness, conducting contact tracing, and providing intensified medical care for affected individuals. He also urged consideration for the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Fund to address future outbreaks effectively.

Source:TheDotNews