The President of the Ghana Medical Association, Professor Yorke, has called for intensified public education, wider dissemination of information on quarantine and isolation facilities, improved case management preparedness, and stronger surveillance across relevant agencies to ensure the country is adequately prepared to respond to a possible Ebola outbreak.

Speaking at a recent press conference to mark the close of its 68th Annual General Conference, the GMA President said Ghana must move beyond routine surveillance at the country's entry points and strengthen its capacity to respond to a possible outbreak.

"The GMA calls for intensified public education, designation of quarantine and isolation sites, case management readiness, as well as strengthening surveillance within communities.

"We further call on the government to proactively set aside funds to finance the response to any possible outbreak," he said.

On behalf of the association, he also urged the public to maintain good hygiene and observe preventive measures to minimise the risk of infection.

He also advised the public to avoid physical contact with people suspected or confirmed to have Ebola, the bodies of infected persons and objects that may have been contaminated.

He, however, commended the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for their initial response but stressed the need for additional measures to protect the country.

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He said the detection of the Bundibugyo strain in Nigeria should prompt Ghana to heighten its preparedness, particularly given the potential risk of cross-border transmission.

JKB/EB

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