The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has dispatched an advanced meningitis team to the five meningitis belt regions in the northern part of the country and the Bono East Region to assess Ghana’s level of preparedness ahead of the meningitis season.

The three-member team comprises a senior laboratory officer from the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, an officer from the Disease Surveillance Department, and a case management expert who is a clinician.

According to the GHS, the team’s assignment forms part of a proactive strategy to strengthen the country’s readiness and response to potential meningitis outbreaks.

During their visit, the team will assess surveillance systems and laboratory capacity for early detection of meningitis cases, as well as review case management practices at selected health facilities.

The team is also expected to evaluate existing preparedness and response plans, provide on-the-job technical support to regional and district health teams, and identify critical gaps that require immediate attention to enhance overall readiness for the meningitis season.

The meningitis belt, which includes parts of northern Ghana, remains vulnerable to seasonal outbreaks, particularly during the dry season, making early preparedness and coordinated response essential to reducing morbidity and mortality.

The Ghana Health Service has reiterated its commitment to early detection, effective case management, and timely public health interventions to safeguard communities at risk.