No herbal remedy for Meningitis, H1N1 – Herbalists

The Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH) has warned that there is no known herbal treatment for Meningitis and H1N1 Influenza, and has, therefore, urged all private herbal centres, clinics and hospitals to refer such matters to the nearest health facilities for immediate treatment.

The concern comes on the heels of recorded cases of H1N1 at the Kumasi Academy and recent reported cases of Meningitis in the country.

“Unlike some other disease conditions with known certified efficacious herbal remedies, there are currently no known certified herbal remedies for the two conditions [Meningitis and H1N1] available in the country,” the association said in a statement.

The association stressed that the public should also report any suspected cases of the two conditions immediately to the nearest government health facility and should not resort to private herbal centres as the first port of call unless the private herbal centre is the only health facility available.

The association further advised families and sympathisers to take caution in handling the bodies of the deceased since direct contact with fluids from the corpses could initiate an infection.

“Protective clothing should be worn while handling the bodies. The bodies, if to be laid-in-state, should be done in closed caskets. Overcrowding and filing past should be minimised or possibly avoided,” the statement added.

The group further advised students and the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water and or use hand sanitisers frequently.