The World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday presented tons of medical supplies to support communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage in the Volta Region.
The Regional Director for the African Region, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, at a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, handed over supplies including antibiotics, intravenous fluids, pain medications, anti-hypertensives as well as water, sanitation and hygiene kits and consumables.
Her call was part of a three-day official visit to the country as the WHO hosts the inter-parliamentary Union African Parliament high-level conference on strengthening health security preparedness.
Making the presentation, Dr Moeti noted that Ghana as part of other African countries faced significant public health threats which not only included disease outbreaks but also the impact of climate change leading to extreme events such as flood, drought and food insecurity.
“The current flood situation is very worrisome. Implications of the health of the people needs to be urgently addressed. The health systems in these areas have been stretched and therefore require some assistance to ensure essential health services can be provided.
These are all health security issues that can be better addressed when the necessary systems are put in place,” she stated.
The Regional Director said existing gaps in the region’s health systems made optimal response to health threats a challenge and to provide adequate and quality healthcare, prepare and respond to health emergencies, it was crucial that government accelerates efforts for resilient health systems.
She commended Ghana for prioritising primary healthcare through the network of practice, pledging the support of the WHO in ensuring quality health for all.
“As WHO, we remain committed to working with Ghana to ensure adequate preparedness and capacity to effectively respond to emergencies and to attain health for all Ghanaians,” she added.
The sector minister, Mr Agyeman-Manu, in his remarks expressed gratitude to the WHO for its unwavering support to Ghana in terms of funding, technical assistance and other support to improve quality healthcare delivery.
He admitted that the health system in the affected communities was greatly stretched by the disaster and the donations was timely to bring relieve to the affected victims.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
