The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has assured the public that recent cholera and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreaks in the country are under control, despite some suspected cases still under investigation.
Speaking following a donation from Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL) to support efforts against the outbreaks, GHS Director-General Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea said laboratory analyses of samples were ongoing, but no new deaths had been recorded in the past three weeks.
He highlighted the importance of swift medical intervention and described the donation—valued at GHS 250,000—as a timely boost to treatment efforts in affected areas.
“Each case should be treated immediately, and this gesture from Tobinco has come at the right time. The donated medications and sanitisers will be distributed to the respective regions to aid in case management,” he said.
Providing an update on the meningitis outbreak, Prof. Akoriyea noted that the Health Minister and a GHS team had recently visited the Central Region, where no meningitis-related deaths had been recorded in three weeks.
He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to monitoring and containing the situation, adding that an official press statement would soon be issued on both outbreaks.
Despite the improving situation, he stressed the importance of hygiene and sanitation in preventing further spread, urging the public to maintain clean surroundings, wash hands regularly, and ensure access to safe drinking water.
“If you recall during COVID-19, cholera cases were almost non-existent because people prioritised handwashing and hygiene. We must return to those habits to keep ourselves safe,” he advised.
Prof. Akoriyea also expressed appreciation for Tobinco Pharmaceuticals’ voluntary support, emphasising that the company had stepped forward without a formal 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, stated that the donation was made as part of the company’s corporate responsibility, recalling how hygiene measures during COVID-19 significantly 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 non-existent due to hand hygiene measures. We believe prioritizing sanitation once again will help curb this outbreak,” he said.
By Ebenezer Madugu
