The Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Mr Kwabena Oko-Afari has described as an interesting coincidence, the number of hospitals requesting Patient Monitors from the Ministry in recent times, and WHO’s timely intervention. 

Receiving the items, Mr Kwabena Boadu Oku-Afari said he was particularly excited about the donation because the items were not just consumables but qualify as part of the ministry’s much-needed infrastructure equipment. He bemoaned the study rise in COVID-19 cases in the country and made a passionate appeal to journalists present, to be champions of COVID-19 safety protocols to halt the spread.

In addition to 44 Patient monitors and accessories, the World Health Organization Ghana presented 25 Oxygen concentrators and accessories, Electrocardiogram machines, Venturi masks, Nasal oxygen cannulas, with prongs, and Arterial blood gas analyser to the ministry to help sustain the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WHO Country Representative, Dr Francis Kasolo, the items were being donated at a time when several countries on the African continent are experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 with the Delta variants driving this surge in cases. 
 
He noted with concern, the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Ghana and called on all to continue to strictly adhere to the public health measures- masking, sanitizing, physical distancing, mouth and nasal etiquette. He also encouraged the public to consult a trained health worker anytime they experienced any of the common symptoms related to COVID-19.
 
Dr Francis Kasolo thanked the World Bank Pandemic Emergency Fund for providing the financial support that enabled WHO to procure the items and also acknowledged the contribution of the entire UN Family in supporting the Government of Ghana to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.