The World Health Organization Representative in Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, is urging the public to remain vigilant as Ghana heightens surveillance measures against a possible Ebola outbreak within the West African sub-region.
According to Dr. Braka, the current strain of the Ebola Virus Disease has no approved vaccine or specific cure, making strict adherence to preventive measures critical in controlling any potential spread.
She advised the public to regularly wash their hands with soap under running water, avoid unnecessary physical contact and immediately report suspected symptoms to health authorities for early intervention.
Dr. Braka further warned that although Ghana is currently considered a low-risk country, no nation within the sub-region can afford to be complacent due to increased migration across borders and challenges with effective contact tracing in some affected areas.
‘’There is need for everyone, community and country to know the mode of transmission of the disease. The Ebola current strain doesn’t have a vaccine or a cure, hence it is imperative for everyone to be on the alert. Ghana is quite prepared following the guidelines by the WHO. We have seen how preparations are going,”she said.
Her comments come as Ghana intensifies preparedness efforts at major ports of entry and health facilities across the country.
Officials from the World Health Organization together with the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, recently inspected surveillance and response systems at the Kotoka International Airport, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre.
The visit formed part of efforts to assess the country’s readiness in the event of a possible Ebola case importation.
Ebola is a severe and highly infectious viral disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, bleeding.
By Sarah Apenkroh
