How Ghana plans to fight COVID-19 pandemic

Ghana, like many other countries around the world, is facing the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of now, the country has confirmed a total of nine cases, all of which are imported. Dr. Frank Serebour, Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association, recently discussed the country's readiness to tackle the outbreak in an interview with CNBC Africa. One of the key concerns for Ghana, as with many other nations in sub-Saharan Africa, is the ability to detect cases early and prevent community spread. Dr. Serebour highlighted that all nine cases in Ghana are imported and emphasized the importance of containing the virus to prevent local transmission. Ghana has imposed measures such as banning large gatherings, conferences, and religious gatherings to minimize the risk of spread. Additionally, screening centers have been set up at hospitals and other facilities to identify potential cases. Anyone showing symptoms is immediately isolated, and tests are conducted to confirm the presence of the virus. Contact tracing is also being conducted to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. While Ghana has made significant progress in its response to the pandemic, Dr. Serebour acknowledged that there are still gaps that need to be addressed. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance and adherence to containment measures to prevent a major outbreak. Testing has been a challenge for many countries, including Ghana, due to limited resources and infrastructure. The country is currently prioritizing testing for symptomatic individuals to ensure early detection and isolation of cases. Ghana has established major treatment centers in Tema and Accra, with additional facilities scattered across the country. The focus now is on preventing new cases and identifying imported cases early to prevent community spread. Dr. Serebour underscored the importance of containment measures in controlling the spread of the virus and easing the burden on the healthcare system. Despite the challenges ahead, Ghana remains determined to combat the pandemic and protect its citizens.