UER sets up Epidemic Committee

Bolgatanga, Sept 24, GNA - The Upper East Region has set up an epidemic committee to take care of all forms of epidemic related diseases that may breakout in the region. The committee, which is chaired by the Upper East Regional Minister Mr. Mark Woyongo, would formulate and enforce policies to check epidemic outbreaks such as the pandemic H1N1 influenza, Cholera, Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) and HIV/AIDS. The committee, made up of selected heads of departments, would draw up proposals for funding in order to acquire logistics to run the committee's activities.

The committee had already put up a contingency action plan to help check the H1N1 pandemic from spreading to the region. They have directed district assemblies in the region to enforce sanitation and other related bylaws to stop potential outbreak of diseases. Dr. James Akpabille, the Deputy Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), spoke about H1N1 and advised people to take preventive measures. These include avoiding close contact with people who appeared unwell and those who had fever, cough and a history of travelling to any of the affected countries. 24 Sept 09