Accra:Upper East Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, has highlighted the necessity for enhanced multi-sector collaboration to improve the region's preparedness for public health emergencies. As Chairman of the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee, he emphasized the importance of cooperation among health authorities, security agencies, local government institutions, and community leaders to boost the region's capacity to effectively respond to public health threats.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call for collaboration was made during a committee meeting aimed at reviewing the region's preparedness for potential threats such as yellow fever, Ebola, and meningitis. The meeting also sought to identify gaps in surveillance and emergency response systems, with a focus on managing meningitis as the heat season approached and minimizing the risk of transmission of other infectious diseases.
Mr. Atanga underscored that effective emergency preparedness is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the Ghana Health Service. It requires coordinated actions involving various stakeholders, including security agencies, local government authorities, educational institutions, traditional and religious leaders, transport operators, the media, and civil society organizations. He stressed the importance of strengthening disease surveillance, sharing information, educating the public, and ensuring early reporting and effective response to outbreaks.
The Minister also pointed out the region's geographical proximity to the Upper West Region and Nigeria as factors necessitating increased vigilance and proactive public health measures. He highlighted the role of timely and accurate public information in preventing misinformation and fear during health emergencies, advocating for public education that encourages preventive measures and early reporting of suspected cases.
Mr. Atanga called on committee members to provide accurate updates on their institutions' preparedness and contribute practical recommendations to bolster the region's response capacity. He emphasized that the committee's deliberations should lead to clear action plans, designated responsibilities, and effective follow-up to ensure the implementation of agreed interventions.