Ebola, a big public health issue

Dr John Koku Awoonor-Williams, Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, has observed that the Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) is a major public health issue, requiring stakeholders support to prevent an outbreak in Ghana.

The Regional Director, who made the observation during a media encounter on the EVD and cholera prevention in Bolgatanga, said the Regional Health Directorate intends using visual communication through public information vans to sensitise communities on how dangerous Ebola and cholera are and how to avoid contracting the diseases.

“Four of our medical doctors who were part of the team that visited affected Ebola affected countries to assist are now back to the region with their rich experience to assist should any eventuality occur,” Dr Awoonor-Williams said.

Dr Joseph Opare, the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health, said that his outfit with support from UNICEF and other development partners has put in place measures to deal with the EVD and cholera.

On Ebola, he said many health personnel including community health nurses from all the districts in the Region have been trained and rapid response teams put in place including 900 community based surveillance volunteers.

“A total number of 6,658 travelers mostly from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and some few from Ebola affected countries were screened at all points of entries across the region and the process is still ongoing,” Dr Opare indicated.

He said stimulation exercises have been embarked on in the 13 districts as part of preparations towards any eventuality while isolated rooms have been provided in the Regional Hospital.

Giving the statistics about the outbreak of cholera in the region, he said in 2014 when the country was hit by the disease, the Region recorded 287 cases with nine deaths.

Dr Opare who attributed the outbreak of cholera in the region largely to open defecation, called on the district assemblies to ensure that landlords put up toilets in their houses as required by the law.

He called on the media practitioners to inform the public to seek early and free treatment of cholera at the health facilities.