NAS, GHS Intensify Ebola Preparedness With Operational Exercise at AIA
The National Ambulance Service (NAS), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has intensified efforts to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness for potential Ebola cases through an operational familiarisation exercise at Terminal 3 of the Accra International Airport (AIA).
The exercise focused on identifying strategic locations and evacuation routes to facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases from the terminal’s arrival and departure halls.
As part of the exercise, the team observed passenger data collection by GHS surveillance personnel during the arrival of a Uganda Airlines flight, highlighting the critical role of surveillance and early detection in public health protection.
The delegation was led by Dr Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Surveillance at the GHS, and included Mr Nii Hammond Sarkwah Hammond, Deputy Director of ICT; Dr Alphonso of Port Health; staff of the Airport Clinic; Greater Accra Regional Administrator, DCAEMT Daniel Asare; and personnel from the NAS Airport Station.
The participation of NAS personnel, following the directive of the Service’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. (Med) George Kojo Owusu, underscores the Service’s commitment to emergency medical preparedness, safe patient evacuation and effective inter-agency coordination.
The exercise was undertaken at the direction of the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba, as Ghana strengthens preparedness measures at its points of entry against potential public health threats.
According to the two institutions, beyond screening and surveillance, effective preparedness requires clearly identified evacuation routes, timely communication, coordinated emergency response and frontline personnel who are ready to act when needed.
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