The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has assured health workers in the Upper West Region of the government’s commitment to supporting their fight against Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM). The region has recorded 129 suspected cases, with 22 confirmed and 16 deaths.
Speaking before donating medical supplies worth over 300,000 Ghana cedis, Bagbin described the rising cases of CSM as an “attack by the enemy” and urged health workers to intensify efforts to combat the disease. He commended medical personnel for their dedication and pledged further support.
“Right here we are on a serious attack by the enemy. And so we’ll do all we can to support you, the health workers in the region and in the sector. This is just the first. As we go back, we’ll look for more,” he assured.
He expressed hope that the situation would improve, stating, “I’m happy that you’ve made this difference and that you’ve been able to contain it so far. We hope that it will stay that way and that there will be no deaths.”
The donated items included IV fluids, antibiotics, and spinal needles for lumbar puncture. Bagbin handed them over to the Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, who in turn presented them to the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Damien Punguyire.
Lawyer Charles highlighted additional support from the National Lottery Authority, which provided 100,000 Ghana cedis to aid health operations. Dr. Pugiri expressed optimism that the support from the Speaker would enhance their fight against CSM.
He encouraged early reporting, noting that patients who sought treatment early were successfully discharged. “we are going to ensure that people do not die,” he added.
Additionally, Lawra MP Bede Ziedeng pledged 10,000 Ghana cedis to support the regional health directorate in combating the CSM disease.
