Open AccessOverview of preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Ghana
Author(s) -
Badu Sarkodie,
Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe,
Dennis Odai Laryea,
William Ampofo,
Richard Odame Phillips,
Ali Samba,
Da Costa Aboagye,
Anthony Nsiah-Asare,
Anarfi Asamoah-Baah,
Emmanuel Odame,
Sally-Anne Ohene,
Yaw Ampem Amoako,
Patrick Kuma-Aboagye
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ghana medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2616-163X
pISSN - 0016-9560
DOI - 10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.6
Subject(s) - preparedness , public health , medicine , psychological intervention , contact tracing , pandemic , social distance , environmental health , health care , outbreak , economic impact analysis , economic growth , medical emergency , covid-19 , disease , political science , nursing , infectious disease (medical specialty) , civil engineering , engineering , pathology , virology , law , economics
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Ghana is part of an ongoing pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ghana on 12th March 2020. COVID-19 was consequently declared a Public Health Emergency of National Concern, triggering several response actions, including enhanced surveillance, case detection, case management and contact tracing, closure of borders, suspension of international flights, ban on social gatherings and closure of schools. Preparedness and response plans were activated for implementation at the national, regional, district and community levels. Ghana’s Strategic approaches were to limit and stop the importation of cases; detect and contain cases early; expand infrastructure, logistics and capacity to provide quality healthcare for the sick; minimise disruption to social and economic life and increase the domestic capacity of all sectors to deal with existing and future shocks. The health sector strategic frame focused on testing, treatment, and tracking. As of 31st December 2020, a total of 535,168 cases, including 335 deaths (CFR: 0.61%), have been confirmed with 53,928 recoveries and 905 active cases. All the regions have reported cases, with Greater Accra reporting the highest number. The response actions in Ghana have seen highlevel political commitment, appropriate and timely decisions, and a careful balance of public health interventions with economic and socio-cultural dynamics. Efforts are ongoing to intensify non-pharmaceutical interventions, sustain the gains made so far and introduce COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the public health burden of the disease in Ghana