Ablakwa Chases Napo, Manu Over Deaths in Schools

A former deputy Education Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, wants the Education and Health Ministers hauled before parliament over the recent string of deaths in some Senior High Schools across the country.

The deaths numbering over 10 have either been attributed to Meningitis or H1N1, with Kumasi Academy being the worst hit.

The North Tongu MP, on Friday, 15 December, beseeched the Speaker to compel the two ministers to come and explain to parliament, the urgent steps being taken to address the outbreaks.

Meanwhile, the vaccines to help combat the threat posed by the H1N1 strain of influenza is expected to arrive in the country on Saturday, 16 December 2017.

The drug for treating the infection, known as Tamiflu, from the World Health Organisation (WHO), is also expected to arrive on Friday, 15 December and will be sent to Kumasi Academy where the disease has killed four students and left several others hospitalised.

A statement from the Ghana Education Service (GES) said: “Arrangements have been made to procure and airlift antiviral agent, Tamiflu, and vaccines for use. Tamiflu is expected in the country by 15th December, 2017 and the vaccines by 16th December 2017.”

The statement also noted that the Ministry of Health has “sent alerts to all the regions, districts and facilities, to enhance surveillance and strengthen systems for prevention, early detection and timely responses.”

“The situation is under control, and there have not been any new reported cases,” the statement added.

Touching on the recorded cases of meningitis, the GES said it was “awaiting the medical report from the Ghana Health Service, including their recommendations on the way forward, and will update the public accordingly upon receipt.”

There have been recorded deaths from meningitis at the Koforidua Secondary Technical School in the Eastern Region, the Damango Senior High School in the Northern Region and the Bawku Secondary Technical School in the Upper East Region.

Source: ClassFMonline