Kwaku Agyeman-Manu
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed delivery of H1N1 influenza vaccines for onward distribution to students of the Kumasi Academy (KUMACA).
The vaccines which are meant to prevent the spread of H1N1, otherwise known as swine flu infection, arrived on Wednesday after initial delays due to circumstances beyond the control of the health authorities in the country.
Confirming the news to local radio station, Public Relations Officer of the Health Ministry, Robert Cudjoe, said, “The vaccines are in. They got here around 7:50pm.”
He explained that a meeting will be held to determine distribution arrangements of the vaccines for the students.
“We will have a meeting tomorrow (Friday), especially in Kumasi Academy, where the outbreak occurred,” Mr Cudjoe stated.
Apart from the vaccines, the country was also expected to take delivery of the anti-viral agents (Tamiflu) from the World Health Organisation as part of measures to combat the threat of the disease.
The drug— Tamiflu — was given to tens of thousands of people during the swine flu pandemic in 2009.
H1N1 influenza viral disease had been detected in at least a dozen students of Kumasi Academy in the Ashanti Region, where four students are suspected to have died from it, since it was first recorded a few weeks ago.
Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu said the vaccines have been transported to Kumasi for administration on the students.
The minister told Joy FM they are waiting for the students to finish writing their exams so the vaccination will begin.
He was quick to add though that the vaccination will be done before the students break for the Christmas holidays.
Other meningitis deaths were recorded at the Damango Senior High School in the Northern Region and the Bawku Secondary Technical, Tempane SHS and Zuarungu, all in the Upper East Region.
Apart from the suspected outbreak of swine flu at Kumasi Academy, a death from meningitis was recorded at the Koforidua Secondary Technical School in the Eastern Region.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri