The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated some medical items to victims of the recent Akosombo Dam Spillage.
According to WHO, the gesture forms part of its role of supporting member states in the endeavors to adequately address health challenges and ensure the well-being of the population.
Speaking at the brief presentation, WHO African Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said “In recent weeks, some parts of Ghana have witnessed flooding due to the spillage of the Akosombo Dam. Several communities have been affected, and more than 30,000 people including children in at least 9 districts across 3 regions have been affected”
She added that health needs are on the rise.
“With flooding, the risk of water-borne diseases rises and can further worsen the plight of the affected communities”
She added that in solidarity with the government of Ghana, the WHO joined its efforts to provide relief.
“WHO is providing 8 tons of critical medical supplies to the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service to support the health needs of affected communities”
“Ghana and other countries in the Africa Region faces high burden of public health emergencies. Though the majority of the health emergencies witnessed in the region are diseases outbreaks, a significant proportion is due to the impact of climate change that triggers extreme events such as flooding, drought and food insecurity”
She noted that gaps in health systems make optimal response to health threats challenging.
“To provide adequate and quality health care, prepare for and respond to health emergencies, we need to accelerate the efforts for resilient systems including reinforcing capacities at the primary care level”
The medical items presented to the Ministry of Health include; Intravenous fluids, Antibiotics, Pain medication, Water Sanitation and Hygiene kits, Consumables and Anti-hypertensives.
Receiving the medical items, Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu said “I will take this opportunity to thank the WHO for its unwavering support in implementing activities in the sector.
“The Leadership Programme for Health Transformation Agenda which is transforming the health sector”
“Indeed, the Transformation Agenda you embarked on since assuming the Regional Director position will continue to yield dividends for many years to come in the region”
He expressed gratitude for the support received in harmoninsing health facility assessment survey that assesses the availability of health facilities.
“The current flood situation in the country is very worrisome. Implications on the health of the people needs to be urgently addressed”
He stressed that the health systems in these areas have been stretched and therefore Ghana require some assistance to ensure essential health services can be provided.
The medical items were to presented to the Ministry of Health by the WHO African Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti on Tuesday in Accra.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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