The Association in a press statement signed by Mr Seidu Jaadi, a Convener of ATAG and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, said: "ATAG is dismayed and utterly shocked with the devastating effects of the 'Meningitis outbreak' in the Upper West Region."

ATAG's call follows an alleged 214 reported cases of CSM with 33 deaths, as disclosed by Dr Kojo Osei Afreh, the Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) at a press briefing in the Region.

"It is important to state that the managers of the GHS in the Region have delayed pressing the warning button and therefore missed the goal post, resulting in government's inability to act timeously to contain the meningitis outbreak in the region since it is over saddled with the COVID-19 outbreak in the country."

ATAG said, "Undoubtedly, there is the likelihood the response to the novel COVID-19 overshadowed the Meningitis response by GHS in the region and its consequences could be calamitous."

 Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by various pathogens and substances; with the majority being either a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding these areas.

Though it has various strains, it is a known condition within the region since the region is within the Meningitis belt.

ATAG said meningitis was one of the diseases of public health importance and was monitored by the GHS throughout the year, "but mostly occurs within the heat period from October to June every year."

The statement observed that CSM was usually known within the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Savannah, and North East Regions, and said in recent times it had gone beyond the known boundaries to affect other parts of the country.

"Indeed, as it is known in public health CSM outbreak can never be prevented.  However, early planning with robust Social and Behaviour Change Communication interventions would have mitigated the negative impact of its outbreak in the region," the statement said.

The Association said even though meningitis was highly deadly, it could be managed and treated when reported early to the nearest health facilities for medical attention if victims noticed the signs and symptoms of the disease which include severe fever, severe headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, and convulsions observed in children among others.

ATAG also called on residents in the Region not to panic but observe precautionary measures such as avoiding overcrowded places, drink lots of fluids or water to prevent dryness and sore throat, cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, sleep in well-ventilated rooms and avoid self-medication among others.