Date: 16th February 2025
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In response to the ongoing meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region of Ghana,
the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin,
donated meningitis drugs worth GH¢300,000 to support the region’s healthcare
response. The donation, made on 16th February 2025 at the Regional Medical Stores,
was a crucial intervention to help curb the escalating health crisis.
2.0 RECEPTION OFDONATION
The Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Damien
Punguyire, received the donation and expressed profound gratitude for the timely
intervention. He provided an update on the outbreak, reporting:
129suspected cases
22confirmed cases
16recorded deaths
29critically ill patients
Dr. Punguyire emphasized the urgent need for support and detailed ongoing measures
such as public education campaigns, early reporting mechanisms, and preventive
strategies including avoiding overcrowding, wearing face masks, social distancing,
and seeking prompt medical attention.
3.0 SUPPORT FROMOTHERSTAKEHOLDERS
In addition to the Speaker’s donation, the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon.
Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq, acknowledged the generous support received from the
National Lottery Authority, amounting to GH¢100,000. He advocated for the
establishment of an emergency response fund to handle future health crises effectively.
Furthermore, Members of Parliament from the Upper West Region pledged a
collective donation of GH¢10,000 to bolster the health sector’s response efforts. Hon.
Bede Anwataazumo Ziedeng, representing the Parliamentary caucus, recalled a
similar outbreak in 1997 and stressed the importance of unity and collaborative efforts
in tackling health emergencies.
4.0 REMARKSBYTHESPEAKEROFPARLIAMENT
Right Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin expressed his satisfaction in
contributing to the critical healthcare initiative. He officially handed over the essential
meningitis drugs to the Regional Minister for onward distribution and emphasized the
importance of health advocacy, community education, and collective action in
preventing the further spread of the disease.
5.0DETAILSOFDONATEDMEDICALSUPPLIES
TheSpeaker’s donation included the followingessentialmedications andmedical
supplies:
CeftriaxoneInjection
ReceptionInjection
Ringer’sLactateInjection
SpinalNeedles
NormalSaline
Dexamethasone
TheUpperWestRegionalDirectorofHealth,Dr.Punguyire,assuredallstakeholders
that the donated drugswould be distributed efficiently andused solely for their
intendedpurposes
