The Ghana Health Service, through its Port Health Department, has received Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other essential supplies from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with funding support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), to strengthen infection prevention, surveillance and health screening at Points of Entry (PoEs).
The items, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), face masks, hand sanitisers, gloves, detergents, pull-up banners, digital tablets, and tablet stands, were presented at a handover ceremony at Accra International Airport. The resources are expected to support traveller screening, surveillance, data collection, risk communication, infection prevention and control, and emergency response activities at the airport.
Ms. Onyekachi Madubuko, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Mission of IOM, commended GHS for its leadership in protecting public health. She noted that the handover demonstrated the strength of collaboration among IOM, Global Affairs Canada and the Government of Ghana. According to her, the AIA is a strategic Point of Entry, making preparedness and response at the facility essential to ensuring that Ghana remains open and connected while effectively managing public health risks.
The Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission, Ms. Francoise Nduwimana, also underscored the importance of strong collaboration in protecting public health. She stated that Ghana’s efforts to strengthen preparedness at its Points of Entry are important not only for national health security but also for regional and global health protection. She expressed confidence that the equipment and supplies would enable Port Health officials to perform their crucial functions more effectively and contribute to stronger outbreak preparedness and more resilient communities.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Director of Public Health, Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, the Deputy Director of the Port Health Department, Dr. Alphonsus C. Nindow, commended GAC and IOM for the initiative and reaffirmed the importance of partnership and collaboration in strengthening public health security. He noted that screening and other public health activities at Points of Entry are critical to safeguarding health security, particularly as the world continues to face emerging and re-emerging disease threats.
Dr. Nindow further assured the partners that the items would be put to appropriate use to strengthen the operations of Port Health officials.
He expressed appreciation to IOM for its continued support towards strengthening public health preparedness and response, noting that the equipment would enhance the Department’s work, particularly in surveillance and data management at the AIA. He also commended Port Health officials for their dedication and commitment to protecting the health of travellers and the public.
The handover forms part of the IOM-implemented project, “Enhancing Cross-Border Public Health Preparedness and Response to Flood-Related Health Risks,” funded by Global Affairs Canada.