New Acting Director General of Health visits Northern Regional Minister
By: Baba Issahaq Mohammed
Prof. Samuel Kara Akoraya, the newly appointed Acting Director General of Health, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC). The meeting served as both an introduction and an opportunity to discuss pressing health matters in the region.
One of the key topics discussed during the visit was a meningitis outbreak in the Northern Region. Prof. Akoraya revealed that there are currently 26 suspected cases, with 6 confirmed cases of meningitis. The outbreak poses a significant public health concern, and the meeting marked the beginning of collaborative efforts between the health sector and the regional council to address the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
In addition to the meningitis outbreak, Prof. Akoraya expressed concern over the persistent interference in the posting and transfer of health staff, which has been affecting the functioning of rural health facilities. He highlighted that this interference often leads to understaffing, compromising the quality of healthcare services in these areas. Prof. Akoraya called for a more transparent and efficient process for the posting and transfer of health personnel to ensure that rural areas are adequately staffed and that citizens in these areas receive the healthcare they deserve.
Hon. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, assured Prof. Akoraya of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council’s full support in addressing these challenges. The minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a fair distribution of health personnel across the region, regardless of geographical location, and emphasized the importance of strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
This meeting represents the start of a crucial partnership aimed at overcoming the challenges faced by rural health facilities in the Northern Region, ensuring that all residents, no matter where they live, have access to quality healthcare services. The collaborative efforts between the health sector and the NRCC will be key to addressing both the meningitis outbreak and the staffing issues that have long plagued rural healthcare facilities.
