Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for increased awareness creation as the deadly coronavirus continue to spread from China.
They have, however, allayed the fears of Ghanaians, indicating that the country has the capacity to combat the virus, if it was detected here.
According to the lawmakers, the deadly virus has become a global health threat, and that Ghana must adequately prepare itself, in case the disease made its way into the country.
In a statement on the floor of the House in Accra yesterday, Nabdam MP, Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, said considering Ghana’s cultural norms and religious practices such as suburban crowded settlements and relationships, it was important the Ministry of Health intensified public education on the virus.
“Mr Speaker, resources from the Contingency Fund should be released to radio, television stations, newspapers and other methods of mass communication to carry out intensive education.
“Mr Speaker, the earlier we start with the education, the better for all of us,” he suggested.
He said even in China, the origin of the deadly virus, the people do not understand basic concept of containing the disease from spreading, including isolation, and wondered how Ghanaians without the needed education, would know of how to combat the disease, hence the need for the intensification of the education.
Supporting the statement, the Member for Ledzokuku, Dr Bernard Oko Boye, said there should be no cause for alarm.
“This is because there is treatment for the deadly virus just like any common cold, and once you are diagnosed, there is treatment,” Dr Boye said.
Ghana, he said, currently has two holding facilities to deal with any outbreak, “so let us take precaution, including washing our hands but education about the virus must be enhanced.”
Daffiama/Bussie/Issa MP, Dr Sebastian Sandaare, on his part, thinks Ghana has the capacity in terms of personnel to handle the likely outbreak of the virus.
What the government must commit to in fighting the virus, if detected in Ghana, he said, was logistical and financial support for the personnel.
The outbreak, he said, would have socio-economic implications on Ghana, considering the volume of business Ghanaians transact with the Chinese counterparts.
The coronavirus, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December, has killed at least 132 people with the number of cases reaching nearly 6,000, the World Health Organisation said.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
