Ministry of Health Launches National Public Health Mandate and Other Quality Guidelines

The Ministry of Health has, in partnership with development partners, including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), launched the National Public Health Mandate and key guidelines on August 9, 2024, in Accra.

The mandate and guidelines would help the ministry harmonize its efforts and ensure a coordinated approach to public health.

Among the documents launched is the National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which provides a comprehensive mandate for the coordination of public health efforts, considering human health, animal health, and environmental health.

Other documents launched are: Ghana Laboratory Quality Management Systems Checklist; Ghana Laboratory Riorisk Management- Training curriculum; the National Biosafety and Biosecurity Guide for Laboratories, and Guidelines for An Integrated National Specimen Referral and Transport

The rest are the Development of a Tiered Level Laboratory System in Ghana; National Guidelines for One-Health Specimen Collection and Handling; Reference Laboratories for Numan Communicable Diseases in Ghana, and Ghana Laboratory Safety Manual.

The launch marked a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its public health systems, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, had emphasized the critical role of laboratory networking in the One Health team, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The pandemic highlighted the importance of a strong laboratory network in disease diagnosis and surveillance, and we recognize the need for system strengthening, including the medical laboratory sector, which has been instrumental in our response to public health threats, he noted.

He also acknowledged the historical development of the medical laboratory sector, from the colonial era to date, stressing that though the country has come a long way in that regard, there is still a lot to be done.

The Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, reaffirmed the government's dedication to strengthening the country's health system, and emphasized the importance of a robust health system in achieving universal health coverage.

"The government is committed to investing in health system strengthening, and the launch of these documents is a testament to this commitment. We recognize that a strong health system is essential for delivering quality healthcare services, and we will continue to work towards achieving this goal," he said.

He revealed that in strengthening health system in Ghana, the key areas of focus include, improving infrastructure and equipment, enhancing human resources for health, strengthening public health laboratory services, and promoting quality healthcare services.

The Minister further praised development partners for their unwavering support to the health system: "We appreciate the support of our development partners and look forward to continued collaboration in building a resilient and sustainable health system."

There we solidarity messages from development partners, including the CDC, Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, and Ghana Health Service

The launched was chaired by Rev. Professor Ferdinand Ayeh-Kumi, who praised the ministry for the vision and appreciated the technical working group for its sacrifices in the development of the documents.