The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has activated an emergency preparedness system as Ghana strengthens its readiness for a possible Ebola outbreak.

The measures include intensified disease surveillance, round-the-clock monitoring of international health developments, emergency response testing and cross-border coordination with neighbouring countries.

The move follows reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and most recently Nigeria, and concerns about possible cross-border transmission.

24-hour monitoring at Pantang

The GHS is using its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Pantang in the Greater Accra Region to monitor developments in affected countries and coordinate preparedness activities.

The centre operates 24 hours a day, allowing health officials to track emerging public health threats and assess potential risks to Ghana.

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The Service has also maintained communication with health officials in affected countries to obtain updates on the outbreak situation and monitor developments that could have implications for Ghana.

Three simulation exercises conducted

As part of its preparations, the GHS has conducted about three simulation exercises to test the country's response arrangements.

The exercises began following reports of the outbreak in the DRC and continued as concerns emerged about the disease in other countries.

33 agencies involved in preparedness

Ghana's preparations involve about 33 agencies drawn from different sectors, including health, education, security, social welfare, local government and disaster management.

The institutions include the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Veterinary Services Department, the National Peace Council and the Ghana Armed Forces.

Cross-border meetings with Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire

The GHS has also held cross-border meetings with health authorities in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen cooperation on the management of infectious diseases and other public health threats.

A tripartite meeting involving the countries also provided an additional platform to compare developments, share information and discuss possible responses.

The engagements are intended to improve coordination among neighbouring countries, particularly in monitoring diseases that could spread through the movement of people across borders.

JKB/VPO

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