The World Health Organisation (WHO) has extended a helping hand to Ghana by donating eight tons of essential medical supplies valued at $65,000 to the Ministry of Health.
These supplies include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain medications, water sanitation and hygiene kits, consumables, and antihypertensives, aimed at supporting communities affected by the Akosombo Dam Spillage.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO African Regional Director, delivered the donation during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Health. She pointed out that Ghana, like many African countries, faces a significant burden of public health emergencies.
While many of these emergencies are attributed to disease outbreaks, a substantial number are linked to climate change, resulting in severe events such as flooding, drought, and food insecurity.
Dr Moeti emphasized that gaps in health systems make it challenging to mount an optimal response to health threats. She urged Ghana to expedite efforts in strengthening resilient health systems, particularly at the primary care level, to ensure the delivery of quality health care and the preparedness to respond effectively to health emergencies.
She stated, “Through our country office, WHO is committed to continuing support for Ghana in building a strong and resilient health system to effectively respond to health emergencies while ensuring the continuity of essential health services as part of achieving universal health.”
Dr Moeti acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the entire UN body, multilateral and bilateral agencies, partners, donors, the private sector, and Ghanaians in supporting the government's response to the flood-affected communities.
Dr. Moeti's visit to Ghana is part of a two-day official trip to attend the WHO Inter-Parliamentary Union African Parliament high-level conference on strengthening health security preparedness.
The conference aims to provide a platform for parliamentarians from national parliaments across Africa to exchange ideas, garner political support, enhance capacities, and promote coordination in advancing sustainable action for global health security and building resilience within health systems for the future of their respective countries.
The Minister of Health, Mr. Kwaku Agyemang Manu, expressed gratitude to the WHO for its steadfast support of the Ministry. He noted the recent flood situation in Ghana as a cause for concern and stressed the need to address its implications on public health promptly.
The affected areas are currently grappling with overwhelmed health systems, prompting the requirement for assistance to ensure the provision of essential health services and the enhancement of capacity for public health emergencies.
Mr Agyemang Manu highlighted Ghana's commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by focusing on improving the quality of care at the primary healthcare level through the ongoing implementation of the Network of Practice.