Health Ministry Urges Vigilance as WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency

The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant but calm following the World Health Organization’s declaration of the recent Ebola Virus Disease outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The WHO declaration cites the risk of cross-border transmission and the serious nature of the disease.

A statement signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stressed that there have been no reported cases of Ebola in West Africa, including Ghana, as of now.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, which spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, or organs of infected persons, as well as with contaminated surfaces and materials.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and national and international partners, said it has intensified surveillance, screening, preparedness, and response measures to protect public health.

These measures will be updated as the situation evolves, it noted.

As part of preventive measures, the public is advised to observe universal precautions during public activities and mass gatherings; frequently use hand sanitisers and practice good hand hygiene at all times, while event organisers are expected to provide sanitisers and handwashing stations at all events.

The Ministry also urged frequent handwashing with soap under running water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, noting that handwashing stations should be available in homes, workplaces, schools, markets, points of entry, and other public spaces.

Citizens were further cautioned to obtain information only from official government and health authority channels and to avoid spreading rumours or misinformation that could cause panic.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or bleeding has been advised to report immediately to the nearest health facility. Officials said early reporting and treatment significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of spread.

“The cooperation of every citizen is essential in preventing the spread of Ebola. Together, we can protect our families and communities,” the Ministry stated.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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