Ebola: GMA calls on Ghana to strengthen its response after a case in Nigeria

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the Ghanaian government to step up its preparations against a possible Ebola outbreak, after the detection of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus in neighbouring Nigeria. The association is calling for stronger disease surveillance and emergency response systems, according to MyJoyOnline.

Speaking at a press conference marking the close of the GMA's 68th annual general conference, its president, Professor Ernest Yorke, described the situation in Nigeria as a serious public health concern. He warned that the Bundibugyo strain, associated with high mortality and which spread rapidly in Central and East Africa, makes the threat imminent. "The threats of Ebola virus disease, in particular the Bundibugyo strain, which has spread rapidly in Central and East Africa with very high mortality, are now imminent with the detection of the virus in our sister country, Nigeria," he said.

Professor Yorke welcomed the initial response of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, notably efforts to educate health workers and the public and the strengthening of surveillance at points of entry. He nevertheless judges more comprehensive measures necessary: intensifying public education, designating quarantine and isolation sites, preparing to manage suspected and confirmed cases, strengthening community surveillance and making financial provision in advance to fund the response in the event of an outbreak.

The call comes as Ghana has already strengthened its arrangements, with screening of all arrivals and monitoring of travellers for 21 days and the introduction of an online health declaration from 12 November.