Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Ghana Medical Trust Fund and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Review Partnership to Enhance Specialist Care
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Ghana Medical Trust Fund and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Review Partnership to Enhance Specialist Care

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has commenced a strategic review of its partnership with the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) as part of a nationwide initiative to improve specialist healthcare delivery. Led by Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, the GMTF management team visited the facility to evaluate the progress of a pilot program that successfully provided treatment for five patients. This visit serves as a critical checkpoint in the Fund's mission to optimize healthcare financing and ensure that specialist services are accessible to those with the greatest clinical needs. During the assessment, GMTF officials and the CCTH leadership, headed by CEO Dr. Eric Ngyedu, focused on the integration of the GMTFcare digital platform. This system is designed to modernize the patient registration and onboarding process, providing a transparent and efficient framework for tracking medical interventions and outcomes. By analyzing the data from the pilot phase, the Trust Fund aims to identify operational bottlenecks and refine the digital interface to better serve patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to using technology to enhance the quality and timeliness of clinical care. Looking ahead, the GMTF intends to leverage the lessons learned from the Cape Coast partnership to strengthen its collaborations with other tertiary healthcare institutions across Ghana. Administrator Darko-Opoku emphasized that continuous monitoring and feedback are essential for maintaining a responsive healthcare system. The Fund's ultimate goal is to create a sustainable and compassionate specialist care model that prioritizes patient outcomes and operational excellence, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the high-quality treatment they require without unnecessary administrative delays.

Ghana Health Service and Ayawaso Central MP Lead Proactive Sanitation Drives to Avert Post-Flood Disease Outbreaks
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Ghana Health Service and Ayawaso Central MP Lead Proactive Sanitation Drives to Avert Post-Flood Disease Outbreaks

Following devastating seasonal rains that caused significant loss of life and property across Accra, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has partnered with local leaders and private waste management firms to launch an aggressive sanitation and disease prevention campaign. The initiative, which includes mass fumigation and community cleanup exercises, is designed to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera. In the Korle Klottey Municipality, crisis management firm LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited collaborated with the GHS to disinfect major markets and public spaces. This proactive approach coincides with a broader national cleaning effort aimed at sanitizing high-risk areas while the ground remains saturated from recent flooding. In Ayawaso Central, Member of Parliament Abdul Ruuf Tony Tubazu has intensified local efforts by leading a refuse evacuation and cleanup campaign in Alajo. During the exercise, Mr. Tubazu condemned the persistent habits of dumping waste and erecting structures in waterways, citing these as primary drivers of the recent disasters. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, the MP announced the establishment of a dedicated taskforce to monitor environmental health and address illegal constructions. Municipal Environmental Health Officer Musa Abdul Samed further warned that without a drastic change in community behavior, the assembly remains at high risk for a major health crisis. Supporting these ground-level efforts, waste management experts are emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure to handle the city's refuse. Naa Ayorkor Koney, Operations Manager of the Teshie Zoomlion Transfer Station, highlighted that strategic waste transfer stations are critical for maintaining cleanliness in the capital. By allowing waste trucks to offload closer to residential communities rather than making long trips to distant landfills, these stations significantly reduce turnaround times and improve the overall efficiency of collection services. This infrastructure, combined with stricter enforcement of existing environmental laws, is viewed as essential for long-term urban resilience. As the rainy season continues, municipal leaders and health officials are calling for a shift in public attitude toward environmental security. Municipal Chief Executive Rudolf Collingwoode-Williams stressed that daily sanitation habits and communal responsibility are the only permanent solutions to preventing the recurrent cycle of flooding and disease. While the immediate focus remains on cleaning and fumigation, officials maintain that the long-term goal is to foster a culture of environmental consciousness where citizens actively protect waterways and manage waste responsibly to safeguard public health.

Infertility Stigma in Northern Ghana: Experts and Advocates Call for Shared Responsibility to Protect Women's Health
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Infertility Stigma in Northern Ghana: Experts and Advocates Call for Shared Responsibility to Protect Women's Health

In Northern Ghana, the medical condition of infertility has transformed into a profound social crisis, where women are disproportionately subjected to public humiliation and emotional torment. Cultural norms that tie the success of a marriage almost exclusively to childbearing have created an environment where childlessness is frequently viewed as a woman’s failure or "crime." Consequently, many women endure intense pressure from family and the broader community, often being blamed for a lack of offspring without any medical basis or diagnostic evaluation of their partners. The psychological and social ramifications of this stigma are devastating. Personal accounts from women in the region illustrate a pattern of societal ridicule and isolation that leads to chronic anxiety and withdrawal from social activities. In many instances, the relentless stigma results in the dissolution of marriages, leaving women not only emotionally scarred but also socially and economically vulnerable. This culture of blame overlooks the medical reality of the condition, treating it instead as a moral or personal failing that warrants public scrutiny and exclusion. Medical professionals, including Dr. Hawa Malechi, are actively working to debunk these harmful misconceptions by emphasizing that infertility affects both genders equally. Experts argue that the current practice of subjecting only women to medical tests and spiritual interventions is scientifically flawed and socially unjust. They are urging couples to undergo joint medical assessments for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, religious leaders have joined the call for understanding, advocating for a shared responsibility approach that emphasizes the need for both partners to seek medical and spiritual support together. Addressing this deep-seated crisis requires a multi-faceted approach involving public education and significant policy reforms. Advocates call for widespread awareness campaigns to destigmatize infertility and encourage early medical consultations for both partners to ensure better health outcomes. By shifting the narrative from blame to empathy, Ghana can better support the mental health and well-being of affected individuals. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a society where medical conditions are managed with professional care rather than being used as tools for social punishment.

Chaim Rafalowski, Coordinator of International Cooperation at Magen David Adom, explaining how the ambulance service works in Israel
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Deputy Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah Spearheads Maternal Health and Emergency Care Reforms in Northern Ghana

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has intensified a national campaign to drastically reduce maternal mortality rates, specifically targeting the Northern Region through the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP). During a series of community engagements in areas such as Yendi, Adibo, and Gbungbaliga, the Deputy Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between healthcare facilities and remote communities by fostering closer collaboration between health authorities and local leaders, while simultaneously addressing the systemic challenges within the country’s emergency medical infrastructure. Central to this strategy is the introduction of the Free Primary Health Care initiative, which deploys community health workers to provide essential services directly to residents in hard-to-reach areas. In addition to mobile health outreach, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah highlighted the critical role of nutrition in maternal wellbeing, encouraging mothers to adopt healthier diets. To sustain these improvements, the government has launched a pioneering Bachelor of Science in Emergency Nursing Programme at the Nurses’ and Midwives’ Training College in Tamale. This first-of-its-kind cohort is expected to bolster the country’s specialized medical workforce, ensuring that frontline responders are better equipped to handle obstetric and other medical emergencies effectively. These developments come at a time when Ghana’s broader emergency medical services (EMS) are under intense scrutiny following high-profile systemic failures. The tragic case of Charles Amissah, who died due to inadequate emergency care, has highlighted the need for a more unified and responsive system. Stakeholders are increasingly looking toward international models for inspiration, such as Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA). Unlike Ghana’s current fragmented system involving multiple organizations, the MDA offers a unified, highly coordinated response. Adopting similar measures—focusing on comprehensive citizen first-aid training and improved ambulance coordination—is seen as a vital step in transforming Ghana’s emergency response into a more proactive life-saving network. While the government’s outreach has been welcomed by local populations, traditional leaders in the Northern Region have voiced concerns regarding the persistent scarcity of resources and the need for more permanent health personnel on the ground. The Deputy Minister acknowledged these challenges, reiterating that the MMARP and the new nursing initiatives are parts of a broader agenda to decentralize and strengthen healthcare delivery. As the first cohort of emergency nurses begins their training, the success of these programs will likely depend on continued investment in infrastructure and the successful integration of community-based care with a more robust national emergency response system.

Rabiu Alhassan, Executive Director, FactSpace West Africa, Abukari Abdul-Rahaman, Station Manager of Simli Community Radio, hosting a programme
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Simli Radio Combats Health Misinformation and Strengthens Information Integrity in Northern Ghana

In Ghana’s Kumbungu District, Simli Radio has emerged as a critical frontline defense against the spread of misinformation, a challenge that reached a fever pitch during the COVID-19 pandemic. As rumors regarding the virus and vaccine safety threatened public health efforts, the community station stepped in to bridge the gap between official data and local understanding. By collaborating directly with local health authorities and translating complex medical information into indigenous dialects, Simli Radio successfully debunked myths and provided residents with reliable, life-saving facts during a period of high national anxiety. The success of these interventions has led to a permanent shift in how the station operates within the local health landscape. Following the height of the pandemic, Simli Radio established a structured verification system designed to engage audiences actively in the fact-checking process. This system allows listeners to report suspicious claims or health rumors, which the station then verifies with credible medical and administrative sources before broadcasting the truth. This proactive approach has solidified the station's reputation as a trusted pillar of the community, demonstrating that local media can effectively counter the "infodemic" that often accompanies global health crises. Looking ahead, the role of such community-based initiatives is becoming increasingly vital as Ghana faces new challenges to information integrity, including those surrounding the 2024 general elections. The growing prevalence of digital misinformation has sparked national discussions on the need for legislative safeguards, leading to the introduction of the Information Integrity Bill. Despite facing significant resource constraints, Simli Radio’s commitment to truth serves as a blueprint for protecting the public from harmful narratives. By empowering local populations with accurate information in their own languages, the station not only supports public health but also fosters a more informed and resilient society.

Mental Health Specialist Esther Kyewaa Opoku Urges Early Recognition of Maternal Distress Signs
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Mental Health Specialist Esther Kyewaa Opoku Urges Early Recognition of Maternal Distress Signs

Esther Kyewaa Opoku, a dedicated mental health practitioner and addiction specialist, has raised a critical alarm regarding the often-overlooked mental health needs of mothers in Ghana. She stresses that identifying early warning signs is the most effective way to prevent manageable psychological conditions from deteriorating into severe crises. According to Opoku, the window for intervention is often narrow, and the failure to act promptly can lead to profound consequences for the mother’s long-term health and the stability of the family unit. A central concern highlighted by Opoku is the cultural and societal tendency to minimize emotional and psychological changes experienced during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She points out that while physical check-ups are routine, the mental state of expectant and new mothers is frequently neglected or dismissed as a temporary phase. This lack of attention allows symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders to fester. Opoku emphasizes that what starts as subtle behavioral shifts can quickly evolve into serious mental health crises if they are not acknowledged and addressed by both healthcare professionals and family members. To address this issue, Opoku advocates for a shift in how society perceives and supports maternal mental health. She encourages families to be more observant and supportive, creating a safe space where mothers can voice their struggles without fear of stigma or being labeled as 'incapable.' Moving forward, the goal is to integrate mental health awareness into the standard of care for all parents, ensuring that early intervention becomes the norm rather than the exception. By recognizing these signs early, Ghana can better protect the psychological well-being of its mothers and, by extension, the health of the next generation.

KATH Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Childhood Type 2 Diabetes Cases in Ghana
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KATH Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Childhood Type 2 Diabetes Cases in Ghana

Health specialists at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have raised an alarm over a significant surge in Type 2 diabetes among children in Ghana. Recent findings from the hospital reveal that Type 2 diabetes now accounts for 15% of all childhood diabetes cases, a sharp increase from the previous figure of 5%. This trend marks a worrying shift in the pediatric health landscape, where Type 1 diabetes was historically the primary concern for younger populations, indicating a growing public health crisis that demands immediate attention. According to Professor Emmanuel Ameyaw and other medical experts at KATH, this rise is largely driven by modern lifestyle factors, including the increasing consumption of unhealthy, processed diets and a general lack of physical activity among the youth. Furthermore, the situation is often exacerbated by delayed diagnoses, which can lead to severe long-term complications. Personal accounts from young patients highlight the multifaceted struggle of managing the condition, which involves not only physical treatment but also navigating widespread misinformation and the social stigma associated with a chronic illness traditionally linked to older adults. Beyond the primary metabolic challenges, medical professionals are also emphasizing the need for holistic care for diabetic children. This includes maintaining rigorous oral health standards, as diabetic patients are more susceptible to dental issues. Experts urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant for early symptoms and seek prompt medical intervention rather than relying on unverified traditional remedies. The psychological toll on children and young adults is significant, necessitating a supportive environment that prioritizes evidence-based management over myths and cultural misconceptions. Addressing this growing health crisis requires a multi-pronged approach involving both families and the state. Professor Ameyaw has called for urgent government assistance to make essential medicines and diagnostic tools more affordable and accessible to families dealing with childhood diabetes. As health advocates push for better awareness and the promotion of healthier eating habits in schools and homes, the focus remains on ensuring that the youth of Ghana are equipped with the resources and education needed to manage the disease effectively and prevent its onset in future generations.

President Mahama Leads National Sanitation Drive as Zoomlion and Karpowership Ghana Bolster Clean-Up Efforts
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President Mahama Leads National Sanitation Drive as Zoomlion and Karpowership Ghana Bolster Clean-Up Efforts

Ghana has embarked on an intensive nationwide sanitation drive, marked by a high-profile Presidential General Clean-Up Exercise and significant corporate backing aimed at mitigating flood risks and improving public health. President John Dramani Mahama, leading the charge in Accra during the July 2026 exercise, underscored the urgency of the initiative by inspecting ongoing operations and calling for a cultural shift toward responsible waste disposal. The government further signaled its commitment to environmental safety by announcing the release of $150 million specifically dedicated to dredging activities to prevent the perennial threat of flooding in urban centers. Central to the success of this national effort is the massive mobilization of resources by the private sector. Zoomlion Ghana Limited has deployed over 500 sanitation workers alongside specialized heavy-duty equipment to support the Accra metropolitan area. This logistical support is crucial for handling the large volumes of waste typically cleared during such intensive exercises. Zoomlion’s involvement highlights the indispensable role of public-private partnerships in addressing Ghana’s waste management challenges and ensuring that sanitation drives translate into tangible, long-term environmental improvements. Beyond the capital, the sanitation agenda has gained momentum in the Western Region, where Karpowership Ghana has partnered with the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA). The company donated a wide array of sanitation equipment, including refuse bins, wheelbarrows, and cleaning tools, to facilitate local clean-up efforts. Karpowership staff also joined community members and municipal workers on the ground, emphasizing a hands-on approach to corporate social responsibility. Abdul Majeed Dukurgu, the Municipal Chief Executive for EKMA, lauded the company’s dedication to community development, noting that such contributions are vital for maintaining municipal hygiene and safety. These collaborative efforts reflect a broader strategy to integrate sustainable development into the national health framework. Sandra Amarquaye, Corporate Communications Manager for Karpowership Ghana, noted that the company’s mission extends beyond providing electricity to ensuring the well-being and environmental protection of the communities it serves. As the nationwide exercise continues, the focus remains on maintaining these standards of cleanliness and ensuring that the $150 million investment in infrastructure leads to a measurable reduction in flood-related disasters across the country.

Businessman Kennedy Agyepong 'Kenpong' Hospitalized at Nyaho Medical Centre After Domestic Accident
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Businessman Kennedy Agyepong 'Kenpong' Hospitalized at Nyaho Medical Centre After Domestic Accident

Kennedy Agyepong, the prominent Ghanaian businessman and entrepreneur widely known as "Kenpong," has been hospitalized at the Nyaho Medical Centre in Accra after sustaining multiple injuries in a domestic accident. The incident, which occurred at his residence, has sparked concern among the business community and the public alike as he undergoes medical care to manage his condition. Reports from multiple sources indicate that the injuries were significant enough to require immediate clinical intervention to prevent any further health complications or long-term issues. While the specific details surrounding the cause of the accident have been summarized as a serious fall at his home, the exact nature of the injuries remains private as he focuses on his recovery. Medical personnel at the facility are reportedly working to ensure the businessman is stabilized and receives the specialized care necessary for a full recuperation. The decision to seek treatment at one of Ghana's premier private health facilities underscores the seriousness with which his medical team is treating the situation. As a well-regarded figure in Ghana's corporate and social landscape, Kenpong is known for his diverse business interests and significant contributions to various sectors. News of his hospitalization has led to an outpouring of support from well-wishers across the country. Further updates on his medical status are expected as he continues his treatment, with the primary focus remaining on his path to a complete recovery and eventual return to his professional and social responsibilities.

UPNMG and Health Directorate Warn of Staffing Crisis in Northern Region Over Poor Infrastructure
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UPNMG and Health Directorate Warn of Staffing Crisis in Northern Region Over Poor Infrastructure

The Northern Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) have raised an urgent alarm regarding the increasing difficulty in deploying and retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities. During a conference held in Tamale, officials highlighted that a combination of dilapidated road networks, a chronic lack of decent accommodation, and the absence of basic amenities is driving trained professionals away from the region. This trend has created significant staffing gaps in underserved areas, directly compromising the quality and accessibility of healthcare for thousands of residents in the Northern Region. Maxwell Oduro Yeboah, President of the UPNMG, emphasized that the current environment in the Northern Region often forces nurses and midwives to seek better opportunities in urban centers like Accra. He noted that while there are ongoing efforts to improve some health facilities, the lack of reliable utilities and adequate living conditions remains a major deterrent for staff. Oduro Yeboah called for immediate government intervention to create a more supportive environment, arguing that professional development and continuous learning for young healthcare workers cannot be sustained if their basic needs for safety and shelter are not met. Echoing these concerns, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, the Northern Regional Director of Health Services, and Dr. Richard Anthony noted that many health workers are now outright declining postings to remote communities. This resistance is rooted in the practical hardships of living in areas where poor infrastructure isolates workers from essential services. The directorate stressed that the burden of improving these conditions should not fall solely on the Ministry of Health. Instead, they called for a multi-stakeholder approach involving local political leaders, traditional authorities, and the communities themselves to make rural service more appealing to professionals. To bridge the healthcare equity gap, the GHS and UPNMG are advocating for a collaborative strategy that includes local incentives and infrastructure development. The leaders argued that without a collective effort to improve the living standards of health workers in deprived regions, the disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural Ghana will continue to widen. The call to action serves as a reminder that robust healthcare delivery depends as much on the well-being of the workforce as it does on the clinical facilities provided.

Democratic Republic of Congo Faces 25% Surge in Ebola Cases as Health Infrastructure Strains Under Bundibugyo Variant
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Democratic Republic of Congo Faces 25% Surge in Ebola Cases as Health Infrastructure Strains Under Bundibugyo Variant

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak, with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reporting a staggering 25% increase in confirmed cases within a single week. Since the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, the total number of cases has reached 1,759, resulting in at least 600 fatalities. Health officials have characterized this current wave as the fastest-growing outbreak in the region's history, placing an immense burden on the country's medical infrastructure and prompting urgent calls for increased international support and resources. The surge is primarily driven by the Bundibugyo variant of the virus, which presents unique containment challenges as there is currently no specific vaccine or treatment approved for this particular strain. This has led to a critical shortage of medical facilities; currently, 95% of available treatment beds are occupied, necessitating an immediate 50% increase in hospital capacity to manage the influx of patients. Despite these hurdles, there has been progress in diagnostic capabilities, with testing capacity now reaching 2,000 tests per day in Congo, and two new antiviral therapies are currently undergoing clinical evaluation to provide potential future relief. Beyond the borders of the DRC, regional neighbors are taking proactive measures to prevent a wider epidemic. Uganda has reported a minimal outbreak of 20 cases, with only one patient currently remaining under treatment, demonstrating effective initial containment. Meanwhile, in Kenya, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has established a specialized Ebola training facility. This center is designed to equip health workers with the necessary skills to handle the complexities of Ebola emergencies, ensuring that frontline responders are adequately prepared before being deployed to the most affected areas in the DRC. Despite these efforts, health authorities warn that significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding the logistics of specimen transport and the speed of reporting new cases to central health agencies. Timely notification is essential for effective contact tracing and ring vaccination strategies. As the international community monitors the situation, the focus remains on scaling up hospital infrastructure and accelerating clinical trials for antiviral treatments. The current crisis underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the region to viral hemorrhagic fevers and the necessity for a robust, coordinated pan-African health response.

GHS Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea Urges Public Hygiene to Prevent Cholera Following Accra Floods
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GHS Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea Urges Public Hygiene to Prevent Cholera Following Accra Floods

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has officially confirmed that there is currently no cholera outbreak in the country following recent flooding incidents in Accra, though health officials are maintaining a high state of alert. Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has emphasized that while no cases have been reported as of late 2023, the risk of waterborne diseases remains significant due to sanitation challenges exacerbated by heavy rains. To mitigate these risks, the service has launched intensive preventive measures, including disinfection exercises and public health awareness campaigns across the capital. As part of these proactive efforts, health authorities have initiated disinfection and fumigation exercises in key public spaces and markets, specifically targeting the Tema Station Market and the Adabraka Polyclinic. These activities are part of a broader national clean-up initiative designed to reduce the health risks associated with flood-prone environments. Dr. Akoriyea highlighted that the success of these government-led interventions depends heavily on the commitment of local communities to maintain high standards of hygiene and cooperate with sanitation officers during the clean-up process. In the Korle Klottey Municipality, local officials are currently working to manage large volumes of flood-related waste and debris that have accumulated in public areas. The municipality has requested patience from residents as waste management teams navigate the logistical challenges of clearing the affected sites. Dr. Akoriyea reiterated that community involvement is non-negotiable, noting that the environmental sanitation situation in markets and public areas must be addressed urgently to prevent the breeding of disease-carrying pathogens in the wake of the floods. Looking forward, the GHS warned that the economic and human cost of treating a potential cholera outbreak would be significantly higher than the investment required for current preventive measures. Dr. Akoriyea urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and prioritize personal hygiene, particularly in areas where drainage and waste management are compromised. By sustaining these nationwide clean-up efforts and adhering to public health guidelines, the GHS aims to protect the population from waterborne illnesses and ensure that the current absence of cholera cases remains the status quo throughout the remainder of the rainy season.