H1N1 vaccines to arrive December 16

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 known as, Tamiflu, from the World Health Organisation, is also expected to arrive on Friday, 15 December and will be sent to the Kumasi Academy in the Ashanti Region, where the disease has killed four students with several others hopitalised.

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.