The Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Damien Punguyire, has observed that the Upper West region is a hotspot for disease outbreaks such as yellow fever, mpox, and meningitis outbreaks.
He attributed the high incidences of communicable diseases, particularly meningitis in the region to the region’s geographical location, climatic conditions, and the influx of migrants from the Sahelian region.
Dr. Punguyire made this observation in Wa during the opening of the Upper West Region’s 2024 Annual Health Sector Performance Review meeting.
It was on the theme: “Strengthening Disease Surveillance for Early Detection and Response to Outbreaks: Leveraging the Network of Practices Approach”.
District Directors of Health Services, Medical Superintendents, Non-governmental Organisations in the health sectors and traditional leaders among others attended the meeting.
The Ahafo Region conducted a peer review of the region’s health sector for 2024.
Dr Punguyire reported that the region, at the time of filling this report, had recorded 207 suspected cases of meningitis with 17 deaths but added that the outbreak was under control.
“We are proud to report that the outbreak is now under control, and our systems are now effectively managing the situation.
However, we must recognize that our strengthened surveillance and guidance systems have played a vital role in containing not only meningitis but also other diseases with outbreak potential in the region”, said Dr Punguyire.
He emphasized the “Network of Practice” initiative as a strategy designed to promote collaboration among local health facilities to improve resource-sharing and better prepare for public health emergencies.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, underscored the urgency of strengthening disease surveillance at the local level, particularly at district health facilities.
He said their ability to detect, respond to, and prevent disease outbreaks relies heavily on a robust and well-coordinated health system.
Mr Puozuing further noted that the government would continue to prioritize improving the health sector, with particular attention to motivating personnel and providing adequate resources, especially in deprived areas.
He reiterated that the NDC government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, was committed to supporting policies that would meet the health needs of the Ghanaian people.
“Let us work together to build a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of every citizen and is equipped to respond effectively to public health challenges” Mr Puozuing added.
On his part, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, indicated that despite strides made in enhancing healthcare delivery in the country, the sector was faced with many challenges.
These challenges include a funding deficit, rising incidences of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, as well as an overburdened workforce that is sometimes demotivating.
Prof. Akoriyea urged health sector stakeholders, including healthcare providers and the public to embrace the government’s vision for a world-class healthcare system in Ghana.
He stressed that achieving this vision would require teamwork, shared responsibility, and a commitment to excellence.
He also highlighted the importance of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability in building a sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of all Ghanaians.
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