Public health analyst Samuel Arthur has argued that the deaths recorded in the recent yellow fever outbreak have already triggered public concern, insisting that government must focus on providing clear information and concrete measures to prevent further infections and fatalities.
Speaking to Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Samuel Arthur was responding to the Health Minister’s call for the public not to press the panic button over the outbreak.
According to him, the government’s priority should be to demonstrate that the necessary systems are in place to detect, contain and prevent the further spread of the disease, rather than simply urging the public not to panic.
He said the deaths associated with the outbreak have already created the level of concern the Minister is asking the public to avoid.
“The deaths have already triggered the panic.”
Samuel Arthur said the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service must clearly communicate the measures being implemented to contain the outbreak and protect communities, particularly those in affected areas.
He stressed that surveillance systems must be complemented by strong community mobilisation, arguing that residents play an important role in identifying and reporting symptoms early.
According to him, communities must be given clear information about the disease, how it is transmitted and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
READ: Yellow fever outbreaks in Ghana appear to follow five-year cycle – Dr Sompa Otabil-Nelson
He also said community-based organisations and other actors working directly with residents should be involved in the response because they have established relationships and trust within those communities.
Samuel Arthur therefore urged government to move beyond general assurances and provide specific details on the measures being taken to prevent further infections and deaths.
“What he should be doing is to assure the communities of what is available, what the situation is and what we can do to deal with this issue to avert further spread and then also the fatalities that we are experiencing now.” he said
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
