Strengthening Epidemic Preparedness and Response: Building Resilience After Ghana’s 2023 Floods

In 2023, Ghana confronted a main catastrophe when the spillage of extra water from the Akosombo Dam resulted in devastating floods in the Jap, Volta, and Elevated Accra Areas. The elevated water circulation in the Volta River inundated low-lying areas along its route, severely impacting communities such as Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Mafi, Adidome, and Ada. Complete neighborhoods had been submerged, forcing thousands to hover their houses and leaving a trail of destruction to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

The catastrophe uncovered serious gaps in emergency preparedness, especially on the district level. While the Volta River Authority had an emergency understanding, the affected districts lacked complete contingency plans, and the health response centered narrowly on epidemic-susceptible illnesses in wish to adopting an all-hazards skill. The health risks had been compounded by stagnant waters, sad sanitation, and displacement, which heightened the in all probability of outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and varied illnesses.

Amid this dire discipline, the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from UK in Ghana, partnered with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to purple meat up epidemic preparedness and response in the toughest-hit areas.

To mitigate the health risks posed by the floods, the WHO facilitated the practicing of over 700 neighborhood-based completely mostly surveillance volunteers. These volunteers, chosen from native communities, had been equipped to detect illness outbreaks, document cases promptly, and befriend in conducting investigations, increasing a crucial first line of defense against epidemics.

Popular Awusagba, a volunteer from Kwahu East District, shared how the practicing modified his level of view, “Before this training, I didn’t know how to identify or respond to health crises. Now, I can detect diseases early and report them to health authorities, helping to prevent outbreaks in my community. It’s an honor to contribute in this way.”

In a similar map, in Atsiekpoe, a neighborhood on the Volta River’s overbank in the North Tongu District, Lawrencia Amebley, a neighborhood health nurse, recounted her trip. She acknowledged, “The training has been transformative. I’ve been able to identify and report cases of tuberculosis and acute flaccid paralysis early. This ensures timely care for patients and prevents the spread of diseases. It’s deeply fulfilling to see the impact of my work.”

Past practicing, WHO supported all 51 districts in the Jap and Volta Areas to fabricate sturdy public health emergency contingency plans. These plans incorporated principles of multi-sectoral, the all-hazards skill, One Health, and the commitment to leaving no one in the support of.

Dr. Mutala Mohammed, the Kwahu East District Health Director, emphasized the significance of those efforts. He acknowledged, “The floods exposed the vulnerabilities in our systems, but with WHO’s support, we’ve developed a contingency plan that ensures we are better prepared for future emergencies. This plan has given us the tools and confidence to protect our communities effectively.”

The Jap Regional Director of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Winfred Okay. Ofosu highlighted the broader affect, “The flooding brought unimaginable challenges, but it also united us to find lasting solutions. This partnership with WHO and UK in Ghana has strengthened our preparedness and response systems, turning a crisis into an opportunity to build resilience.”

Infectious Hazard Administration Officer for WHO Ghana, Patrick Avevor, recommended the collective efforts. He acknowledged, “The 2023 floods were a stark reminder of the need for preparedness. With funding from UK in Ghana, we’ve been able to empower communities, strengthen health systems, and enhance coordination across sectors. This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to leaving no one behind.”

For communities admire Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, and Ada, the floods had been a take a look at of endurance and resilience. Which skill of of WHO’s intervention, supported by UK in Ghana, these areas now have the capacity to detect, reply to, and mitigate health emergencies extra effectively.

What began as a catastrophe has progressed correct into a yarn of hope and development, illustrating the energy of partnerships to transform crises into alternatives for building a safer, healthier future for all.

For Extra Records or to Seek recordsdata from Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Nation Plan of job
Email: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393