WHO and partners hold simulation exercise to counter disease outbreaks

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana is facing multiple disease outbreaks that have raised concerns among health officials.

In response, a vital regional simulation exercise has convened health authorities from across Africa to strengthen the health emergency preparedness of various nations.

COVID-19 came as a shock to the world, shaking foundations of health systems. Ghana, like many nations, faced the unexpected fallout of this global pandemic. The world was brought to a standstill, with overwhelmed hospitals, and everyday life suspended, but this was only the beginning.

The pandemic revealed critical weaknesses in healthcare infrastructure and reminded us of the unpredictable nature of health crises, urging us to prepare for future outbreaks.

In 2024 alone, Ghana is facing new threats like Mpox, dengue fever, lassa fever, and re-emergence of cholera and others. Each outbreak serves as a reminder of the lessons learned during the pandemic and the urgent need for a robust response.

The increasing number of outbreaks in countries including Ghana, has led to a critical regional simulation exercise focused on health by the World health Organization, UNICEF, WFP, MSF and the Ghana Armed Forces in Ghana on health emergency preparedness.

This is to strengthen health security and contain infectious diseases within the region.

“The exercise today is to see how fast the new hospital can be deployed and we are taking advantage of the expertise of our partners and here in Ghana to do that.” Juan Emmanuel Dewez, UNICEF.

The Technical Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Darius Kofi Osei, emphasized the government’s commitment to combating these outbreaks.

“I thank our partners for choosing Ghana as the destination for this very important exercise and once again positioning us as the gateway to Africa. The government of Ghana has over the years taken significant steps to contribute to addressing the search of such high impact outbreaks both within our country and across sub region.”

According to the Regional advisor of Africa Regional Organization (AFRO), Dr Mory Keita, every country is required to conduct a simulation exercise, and Ghana has been selected to host the inaugural session.

“It is my first time to attend a multi-agency simulation and Ghana was chosen as the best place because we have WFP hub here and we have opportunities, and we also know that Ghana is a very critical country in West Africa.”

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