Development Challenge Holds Forum On Ebola

Alhaji Haruna Rashid Ibrahim, The Executive Director Of Development Challenge

Although Ghana is yet to record any case of the deadly Ebola disease, government, civil society groups, NGOs in the country are doing their best to create awareness among the general public through experts education on the real facts about Ebola.

Development Challenge, a non - governmental organization as part of its monthly dialogue series on topical issues affecting society has organized a public forum in Accra to educate Ghanaians on Ebola under the theme “Preventing Ebola, a collaborative Effort”.

Alhaji Haruna Rashid Ibrahim, the Executive Director of Development Challenge, speaking at the forum said that, Ebola is not just a health problem but carried terrible social and economic consequences, hence the need to continually educate Ghanaians on it.

He noted that there has been a lot of misinformation in the public domain about Ebola and it is important for his outfit to bring together experts to give out the real facts on the disease.

“I don't think the ordinary people are aware of what actually are the real facts about Ebola. And that is why my outfit has brought together students, health experts, and the media to intensify the education to the benefit of the people”.

He averred that although government is doing its best to ensure that Ghana is well prepared to avert any outbreak, government can do more and must do more because it an investment putting money into considering the larger effect of the disease.

He said “Simple hygiene measure such as washing hands with soap and water are useful preventive measures will also reduce the threat” he added.

Ebola disease, since its outbreak in the West African sub-region has claimed so many lives world wild.

Affected countries West Africa include Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Even though a suspected Ebola cases in Ghana was negative, Ghanaians have expressed fear about the possible spread of the disease in country due to closeness to the four countries where deaths have been recorded.

Governments in the sub-region are putting in place stringent measures to prevent the further spread of the disease.

This has generated concern over the readiness of local agencies and the government to contain the disease if a case is recorded in Ghana.

But Dr. Victor Bampoe, Deputy Minister of Health said Ghana is well prepared to deal with any outbreak of Ebola.

He said that “case management, logistics, security and financial resources, coordination has been set up”.

The deputy minister noted that there is ongoing public education in which posters and brochures have been printed and distributed.

Frontline staff at health facilities and those manning the various border posts into the country have been sensitized to identify any suspected case.

Dr. Victor Bampoe disclosed that government has put in place elaborate incentive package which include daily cash payment, life insurance for health workers that will deal with Ebola patients.

According to him, the disease surveillance system has been placed on high alert through intensification of viral hemorrhagic fever surveillance.

The deputy minister gave the surety that his outfit is keenly monitoring the progression of the disease and has cautioned the public to be each person keeper and be vigilant to report any suspected case of Ebola to the nearest health center.