Sharing his harrowing experience, Ibrahim highlighted the immense financial strain the disease placed on his family and stressed the importance of timely medical intervention.

To prevent cost-related fatalities, the government has introduced a free treatment policy for CSM patients through the Ghana Health Service, however, with 129 suspected cases, 22 confirmed, and 16 deaths recorded so far, additional external support is vital for the policy’s success.

Muniru Ibrahim, the survivor vividly recalls his near-death experience with CSM, stating that, while returning from a funeral, he was suddenly overcome by weakness, fever, and immobility. With limited healthcare access, his desperate family tied him to a bicycle and rushed him to the hospital.

Now grateful for his survival, Ibrahim has advocated for early medical care and urged organizations to help ease the financial burden on affected families.

In a bid to curb the outbreak, Speaker of Parliament Alban  Bagbin has donated GHC 300,000 worth of medical supplies to support free treatment for CSM patients. The donation includes: 8,400 doses of Ceftriaxone injection,1,600 doses of Reception injection,

2,100 units each of Ringer’s Lactate and Normal Saline, 12 packs of spinal needles, 300 doses of Dexamethasone

Bagbin revealed that the Upper West Caucus of MPs raised awareness of the crisis in Parliament, prompting his swift intervention.

He commended healthcare workers for their dedication and urged continued support, assuring that every effort would be made to save lives in the region.

Dr. Damien Punguyire, Upper West Regional Health Director, painted a grim picture of the outbreak, noting that nearly every district has been affected. Lawra has emerged as the latest hotspot, underscoring the urgency of early detection.

He stressed that survival depends on swift medical intervention and lamented that many early deaths resulted from delays and lack of  health insurance.

Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the crisis.

Following an emergency session on February 10, he launched a sensitization campaign, emphasizing that public awareness is key to preventing further casualties.