The National Lottery Authority has donated an amount of GH¢100,000 to aid in efforts to combat the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in the Upper West Regions.
The cheque was presented by the Director General of the NLA, Mohammed Abdul Salam to the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing.
According to the Director General of the NLA, this forms part of the Authority’s corporate social responsibility, especially considering the seriousness of the outbreak.
He said, “this donation of GH¢100,000 should be able to serve as a booster to the health team in the region to have a handle on this situation.”
The Regional Minister expressed his gratitude to Good Causes Foundation, the charity arm of NLA, saying the donated amount would help in the treatment of affected persons to save lives.
He disclosed that 14 lives have currently been lost, with over 70 cases diagnosed.
Mr Puozuing stated that the situation in region had be exacerbated by the lack of valid National Health Insurance cards by residents.
He stated that these moneys would be channelled towards procurement of antibiotics for persons who’ve been diagnosed with the condition as contact tracing of persons who came into contact with , as well as public education and sensitisation later in the year.
The Regional Minister said that his outfit would create a fund which interested persons, working through the Upper West Regional Coordination Council can donate to.