The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has donated 100,000 GHS to the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council (UWRCC) to support efforts in combating the recent outbreak of cerebral meningitis (CSM) in the region. The donation was made on February 14, 2025.
Speaking at a brief ceremony at the office of the Director-General of the NLA, Mr Mohammed Abdul Salam, stated that the authority was formally informed about the devastating effects of the outbreak.
Through its Good Causes Fund, which was established to assist in situations of this nature, the NLA issued a cheque for GHS 100,000 to support the region’s fight against the disease.
He emphasized that this donation is part of the NLA’s corporate social responsibility, ensuring that revenue generated by the Authority is channelled into impactful initiatives. He further noted that globally, governments make it a priority to support vulnerable communities during crises, and the NLA is committed to playing its role in such efforts.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Regional Coordinating Council, the Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga, expressed his gratitude to the NLA for the timely intervention. He assured that the funds would be properly utilized by the Regional Health Directorate to address the ongoing crisis.
The minister disclosed that the death toll from the outbreak had risen to 14, with three additional fatalities reported since the initial request for assistance was made.
He described the situation as critical, noting that even the Regional Health Director had embarked on a two-day tour of the region to assess the extent of the damage caused by the outbreak.
Lawyer Lwanga also called on other state agencies to follow the NLA’s example by providing similar support to help contain the disease. He highlighted the challenges faced by affected individuals, including the inability to access essential medications due to the lack of valid health insurance cards.
The Upper West Region has frequently been in the news for outbreaks of meningitis, particularly during the February-March period. This year, 14 lives have already been lost to the disease, with many more individuals diagnosed with symptoms.
With the support from the NLA and anticipated assistance from other donors, the Regional Coordinating Council hopes to effectively manage and contain the outbreak.
Lawyer Lwanga once again extended his appreciation to the NLA’s Director-General and expressed optimism for future collaborations in support of the region’s healthcare system.
Story By: Tahidu Abdul Jalil
