The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has requested that the government purchase more vaccines to vaccinate Ghanaians in the wake of the new variant of COVID-19 – Omicron.
While commending the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other stakeholders for the efforts in curtailing COVID-19, the GMA also pressed on the government to increase the availability of the vaccine in the country.
“We, however, note with grave concern the discovery of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in some countries in the world. With several mutations noted on the spike protein of this mutant strain, it is still unknown if this new strain may evade immunity acquired from past infection or vaccination.
“Government should continue with effects to secure more vaccines for the nation. We urge government to continue all efforts at limiting importations of COVID-19 by increased testing at the ports of entry as well as sequencing of all positive cases to enable prompt detection and containment of mutual strains such as the omicron variant,” President of the GMA, Dr. Frank Serebour appealed in a press statement.
With the outbreak of Yellow-fever in the country, Dr. Serebour also urged the government to set-up its efforts with stringent measures to fight it head-on.
The the GMA President also called on Ghanaians to cooperate with the on-going vaccination exercise and report any suspected cases.
“Our country is currently managing an outbreak of Yellow Fever. The outbreak which was first detected in the Savanna Region has since spread to 8 regions and unfortunately, 40 persons have died (as of 26th November 2021). We express our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones to this disease.
He continued “The Ministry of Health has put in adequate measures to contain the situation with appropriate case definition, case management and vaccination measures. We urge all persons in Ghana, especially those in the affected areas to cooperate with the ongoing vaccination exercise and report any suspected cases (the development of fever and yellowing of the eyes within 14 days of the fever) to the nearest health facility for appropriate diagnosis and management,”.
The GMA also commended the tremendous efforts by the nation’s public health physicians and all health workers who are braving the odds to help the nation combat the current outbreak.
