Support to the Ebola Virus Preparedness in Ghana

This project aims to support the United Nations Country Team in Ghana to accelerate and strengthen government preparedness for early detection and containment of Ebola Virus Disease and prevent further spreading of the disease. Activities include: (1) procuring and installing 14 infrared thermography units; (2) training 150 government officials and 375 community based surveillance volunteers at 15 entry/exit sites; (3) training health workers at regional and district levels for surveillance case investigation and reporting early detection contact tracing data and information analysis management and dissemination; (4) training immigration officers on and equip them for prevention and effective management of suspected cases; (5) supporting civil society and community-based organisations and primary health care worker groups to train members and community influencers/leaders and provide them with logistics to address stigma associated with Ebola Virus Disease; (6) installing hotlines (SMS hotline operators interactive voice response) for the general public and key groups (educators learners young people health workers social mobilisers community leaders traditional and religious leaders); (7) providing information education and communication material to 15 entry/exit sites; and (8) providing tools (protocols manuals and guidelines) on case management and infection prevention and control considering the needs of vulnerable groups (women and children).

The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved coordination of preparedness and response activities; (2) enhanced capacity for active surveillance early investigation detection diagnosis and contact tracing; (3) effective case management infection prevention and control; (4) infection containment at the source; (5) limited spread of an eventual Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Ghana; and (6) low case fatality rate due to Ebola Virus Disease.