Ministry of Health intensifies Ebola surveillance at borders and airports

Ministry of Health intensifies Ebola screening at Ghanaian entry points

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has escalated surveillance and screening efforts across Ghana’s entry points, including international airports, following confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria and Kenya. While no cases have been recorded in Ghana to date, health officials are taking proactive measures to prevent the virus's entry and ensure national preparedness. This move comes as a response to reports of a woman in Nigeria testing positive after traveling from Uganda, as well as ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, confirmed that screening procedures have been strengthened, particularly for travelers arriving from high-risk regions. A robust monitoring system is now in place to track the health status of arrivals from affected countries. In addition to border controls, the Ministry is prioritizing public education to inform citizens about the nature of the virus, emphasizing that Ebola is not airborne and can be managed through strict adherence to hygiene protocols and professional medical intervention. Reassuring the public, Goodman stated that Ghana possesses the necessary resources and infrastructure to manage potential cases should they occur. He urged Ghanaians to remain calm but vigilant, stressing the importance of early reporting to prevent community spread. Citizens are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms such as fever and vomiting. The Ministry cautioned against public panic, noting that transparency and swift action are critical to maintaining the country's health security. The intensification of surveillance serves as a critical precaution given the regional health risks posed by current outbreaks in East and West Africa. The Ministry of Health has committed to providing regular official updates and has advised the public to rely only on verified information from health authorities. By combining rigorous border vigilance with community awareness, health officials aim to maintain Ghana’s status as an Ebola-free zone while ensuring the healthcare system remains on high alert.