North East Regional Health Directorate enhances meningitis response with new initiatives (2025)

In an effort to combat the rising incidence of meningitis in the North East Region, the Regional Health Directorate, under the guidance of Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, has announced significant measures to improve early detection and response to the disease, supported by a recent donation from the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akorea.

The North East Regional Health Directorate is taking proactive steps to address the concerning trends in meningitis cases reported in the region. Recent data indicates fluctuations in both suspected and confirmed cases of meningitis, particularly those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

In 2023, the region recorded 12 suspected cases, with a single confirmed case and no deaths. However, this situation changed dramatically in 2024, where the number of suspected cases increasing to 33, resulting in five confirmed cases and a notable five fatalities. This increase highlights a critical need for enhanced strategies to manage and respond to this public health challenge.

As of March 2025, there was a slight decrease in activity, with 11 suspected cases reported, four confirmed cases of S. pneumoniae, and no deaths recorded so far. This data indicates a need for ongoing vigilance and intervention as the region continues to navigate the challenges posed by meningitis.

During a recent appraisal of health workers, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akorea commended their efforts in educating the regular Ghanaian population about the importance of visiting health facilities. He emphasized the need for health workers to create a more comfortable environment that encourages individuals to seek medical attention before their conditions worsen.

“The people being served at the hospital are not just any people, but the parents of we the health workers,” he stated. He urged the North East regional health workers to treat all patients with care and respect, as this approach will motivate them to visit the hospital whenever they are sick.

Prof. Akorea also highlighted some of the barriers that prevent regular Ghanaians from seeking care, noting that many avoid hospitals due to concerns about long waiting times, sometimes exceeding two hours, and the fear of being scolded by health personnel. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues to foster a more inviting atmosphere for patients.

To support these efforts, essential Nova Zone items have been provided to the North East Regional Health Directorate to improve the capacity for early detection, confirmation, and appropriate response to meningitis cases.

This strategic donation is poised to enhance the region’s ability to monitor and manage the disease effectively. “The main objective of this donation is to ensure that we can swiftly detect and respond to cases of meningitis,” stated Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari. “With these resources, we aim to reduce the burden of disease and prevent further fatalities in our communities.”

The Regional Health Directorate will continue to focus on monitoring the situation and enhancing healthcare delivery to address the meningitis challenge in the North East region.

By Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe