The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has in 2024, the Ashanti Region of Ghana saw a significant surge in meningitis and cancer cases, which gave serious cause for alarm. Meningitis recorded a jump of 133 percent, increasing from 18 in 2023 to 42 in 2024, with one confirmed dead. Meanwhile, cancer cases went up by 33.60 percent, with 4,553 new cases, bringing the total number to 18,104 for the year.
Meningitis cases increase amid rising health risks
Meningitis transmission occurs through direct contact, including respiratory droplets, with carrier rates peaking at 50% during outbreaks. The disease remains endemic in northern Ghana, with the Upper West Region recording 42 cases and 10 fatalities, reflecting a 23.81% fatality rate. In contrast, Ashanti’s outbreak had a lower death toll but continued to rise.
Addressing the stakeholders, Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng hinged them on environment and demographical factors. Symptoms caused by each kind of strains present difficulty, except the presence is confirmed at laboratory level; The region embarked on intensive public campaigns with awareness through vaccination and advice on general etiquettes such that it called on the hospitals’ responsibility during cases of diagnoses when other causative agents may trigger fever with patients especially within peaks of high-end seasons.
Standard precautions including hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and avoidance of overcrowding are important,” Adomako-Boateng recommended. “Adequate hydration and medical care at the earliest onset of symptoms are necessary.”
Cancer cases soar with breast and cervical cancer leading the surge
Within the Ashanti Region, there was an increase in cancer cases by 33.60%, with breast cancer increasing by 92.12%, cervical cancer by 75.17%, while prostate cancer cases decreased by 17.55% compared to previous years. Cancer cases increased from 13,551 in 2023 to 18,104 in 2024. Breast cancer almost doubled to 561, while cervical cancer increased to 522. The highest increase, however, came from other cancers, which added 4,272 new cases.
“Cancer is not only a medical, but also a highly personal condition; a person-centered approach to dealing with this health condition means mixing medical support with psychological and social support,” explains Adomako-Boateng.
Strengthening healthcare for better outcomes
The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has intensified awareness for early detection and encourages screening for cancers and meningitis. The health facilities should be built on capacity for clinical breast examination and increase the screening for prostate and liver cancers, especially in resource-limited communities.
The region is operationalizing activities in line with the theme of the 2025 World Cancer Celebration, United by Unique, to emphasize personalized care among people living with cancer. Authorities are calling for holistic strategies comprising early detection, timely diagnosis, and better health services as a means of addressing increased cases of cancer and meningitis diseases in Ashanti Region.
