GMA urges gov’t to intensify Ebola preparedness after detection of Bundibugyo strain in Nigeria

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has urged the government to intensify preparations against a possible Ebola outbreak following the reported detection of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus in neighbouring Nigeria.

The Association says Ghana must strengthen its disease surveillance and emergency response systems to prevent a potential outbreak and ensure that health facilities are adequately prepared to manage suspected cases.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the close of the GMA’s 68th Annual General Conference, the Association’s President, Professor Ernest Yorke, described the development in Nigeria as a serious public health concern and called for urgent preventive measures.

He warned that the spread of the Bundibugyo strain, which has been associated with high mortality, required Ghana to strengthen its preparedness rather than wait for an outbreak before taking action.

“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 acknowledged the initial response by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, particularly efforts to educate health workers and the public and strengthen surveillance at the country's ports of entry.

However, he said that more comprehensive measures were needed to protect the country against the possibility of an outbreak.

The GMA is calling for intensified public education to ensure that citizens understand the risks associated with Ebola and the preventive measures required to limit its spread.

It has also urged the government to designate quarantine and isolation facilities, strengthen preparedness for the management of suspected and confirmed cases, and improve disease surveillance within communities.

The Association further wants the government to make advance financial provisions to support the country's response in the event of an outbreak.

According to Professor Yorke, adequate funding and preparedness are essential to ensuring that health authorities can respond quickly and effectively if cases are detected.

"The GMA calls for intensified public education, designation of quarantine and isolation sites, case management readiness, as well as strengthening surveillance within communities. We further call on the government to proactively set aside funds to finance the response to any possible outbreak," he said.

The GMA has also appealed to the public to observe proper hygiene practices and take precautions to reduce the risk of infection.

It has particularly encouraged regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

The Association also advised the public to avoid physical contact with people suspected or confirmed to have Ebola, dead bodies of infected persons, and objects that may have been contaminated.

It further urged people experiencing symptoms associated with the disease to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest public health facility.

The symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, general weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding from any part of the body.

The GMA also called on members of the public to promptly alert health authorities if they notice anyone in their communities displaying similar symptoms.