The Upper East Region recorded 31 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) between 1 January and 2 March 2025, with two confirmed cases and two deaths, according to Samuel Boakye-Boateng, the Upper East regional director of health services.
Speaking at a press briefing in Bolgatanga on 5 March, Dr Boakye-Boateng confirmed that the Streptococcus pneumoniae strain was responsible for the reported cases.
While no outbreak has been declared, he emphasised that the disease remains a major public health concern, especially in Northern Ghana, which lies in the Meningitis Belt of sub-Saharan Africa.
The situation is more severe in the Upper West Region, which has recorded 196 suspected cases of CSM, 34 confirmed cases and 17 deaths during the same period.
In response, the Upper East Regional Health Directorate has intensified its preventive measures by enhancing co-ordination between regional and district health authorities, and strengthening disease surveillance for early detection and management.
It is also conducting public education campaigns through health facilities and radio discussions, improving laboratory testing at hospitals and the Navrongo Health Research Centre, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines to make timely treatment widely possible.
Dr Boakye-Boateng credited the introduction of the Meningococcal Type A conjugate vaccine (Men A) into Ghana’s routine immunisation in 2016 for the reduction in major outbreaks. However, he advised the public to avoid overcrowding, ensure proper ventilation, stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene to lower the risk of infection.
Emergency response
Ghana has also been grappling with a cholera outbreak since October 2024, affecting the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Eastern, Western and Central Regions.
So far, the country has recorded 6,405 suspected cases of cholera, 719 probable cases epidemiologically linked, 561 confirmed cases and 49 deaths.
Dr Boakye-Boateng warned that the Upper East Region is at risk of imported cases because of active movement between regions. He urged the public to remain vigilant, as cholera spreads through contaminated food and water and poor hygiene.
To combat the outbreak, the Ghana Health Service has launched reactive oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaigns in affected areas, activated emergency response mechanisms in all regions and strengthened water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to promote access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation. The GHS has also intensified public health education campaigns through radio, community outreach and health facilities.
Dr Boakye-Boateng urged residents to report cholera symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration immediately to health facilities to enable prompt treatment.
He called on local government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, health/community NGOs and the private sector to support efforts to curb the spread of meningitis and cholera in the Upper East. In addition, he encouraged the media to play an active role in public education and promote behaviours of seeking early health care.
“Together, we can prevent the spread of meningitis and cholera and protect the health of our communities,” he said.
Reporting for Asaase News by Mark Smith, Upper East Region
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