GHS Boss Urges Navrongo Research Centre to Intensify Meningitis Studies
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called on the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC) to deepen investigations into the recurring meningitis deaths reported annually in parts of the country.
According to him, the GHS is resolute in its commitment to eliminate fatalities linked to the disease and requires robust, evidence-based research to inform stronger prevention and response mechanisms. He made the appeal during a working visit to the Centre as part of a regional tour with GHS officials and Council Members to intensify public awareness and assess preparedness against the disease.
Dr Akoriyea described meningitis as a major public health concern that demands sustained attention, particularly in vulnerable regions. He emphasised that health education and early preventive interventions must take precedence, stressing that proactive measures are far more effective than curative efforts.
As part of the tour, the delegation inspected laboratory facilities at the Centre and engaged management and staff in discussions on ongoing research activities. The Director-General commended the NHRC for its longstanding reputation for high-quality research and urged staff to uphold professional excellence in their work.
He further disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama, through the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed that no patient should be charged for meningitis treatment.
Dr Akoriyea therefore encouraged the public to seek immediate medical care at the nearest health facility when symptoms arise, preferably with their National Health Insurance cards. However, he assured that treatment would still be provided even without insurance.
He noted that essential medicines have already been supplied to affected regions and stressed that most deaths could be avoided if patients report early. He expressed regret over recent fatalities, attributing many to late arrival at health facilities.
The team later visited the War Memorial Hospital, where they interacted with staff at the Out-Patient Department, paediatric and maternity wards, urging them to sustain quality healthcare delivery.
