The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has assured the public that the country’s recent cholera and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreaks are under control, despite a few suspected cases still under investigation.
This was disclosed by Director-General of the GHS, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, in an interview after a donation by Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL) to support the fight against the outbreaks.
According to Prof. Akoriyea, while some laboratory samples are still being analyzed, no new deaths have been recorded in the past three weeks.
He emphasized that immediate case management is crucial and that the donation from Tobinco Pharmaceuticals—valued at GHS 250,000—has come at a critical time to support treatment efforts across affected regions.
“Each case should be treated immediately, and this gesture from Tobinco has come at the right time. The donated medications and sanitizers will be distributed to the respective regions to aid in case management,” – he stated.
Providing an update on the meningitis outbreak, Prof. Akoriyea revealed that the Health Minister and a GHS team recently visited the Central Region, where no meningitis-related deaths have been recorded in the past three weeks.
He assured the public that the government remains committed to monitoring and containing the situation, adding that the Health Minister will soon issue an official press statement on both outbreaks.
Despite the improved situation, the GHS boss reiterated the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation to prevent further spread.
He urged the public to keep their surroundings clean, wash their hands regularly before eating, and ensure access to safe drinking water.
“If you recall during COVID-19, cholera cases were almost nonexistent because people prioritized handwashing and hygiene. We must return to those habits to keep ourselves safe,” – he advised.
Prof. Akoriyea also expressed deep appreciation for Tobinco Pharmaceuticals’ voluntary support, noting that the company stepped forward without any request from the government.
“We did not solicit this donation—Tobinco saw the need and decided to help. Every little contribution counts, and whatever can help treat a patient is valuable,” – he remarked.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher Mensah, Managing Director of Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, emphasized that their donation was made in the spirit of corporate responsibility, recalling how strict hygiene practices during COVID-19 drastically reduced cholera cases.
“In a time like this, where the whole country is challenged with outbreaks of CSM and cholera, our Group CEO, Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin—who also serves as the President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana—saw the need to step up and support through the right agency, the Ghana Health Service.
During the COVID-19 period, cholera cases were almost nonexistent due to hand hygiene measures. We believe prioritizing sanitation once again will help curb this outbreak.” – He said.
With the GHS assuring the public of continued surveillance and intervention measures, stakeholders are hopeful that Ghana will successfully contain the outbreaks, provided that citizens also play their part in maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation.
Story Written By Ebenezer Kewaw Madugu
