The Ghana Health Service (GHS) says it is actively surveilling and putting in place necessary measures to combat any new acute respiratory virus that may be imported into the country.
This was contained in a January 17, 2025, press release signed by the GHS Director-General, Prof. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye which cited outbreaks of the viral infections known as the Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China since late December 2024.
The statement also cited a January 7 World Health Organization (WHO) press update which indicates that: “The observed increases in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogen detections in many countries in the Northern hemisphere in recent weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual.”
The GHS stated it held a Public Health Emergency Operation Centre meeting and assessed the situation with an update from the National Influenza Center (NIC). It added that from weekly samples collected across the 16 regions, there has been no evidence of “any unusual respiratory pathogens including hMPV.”
“This notwithstanding, the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with other agencies and partners, is implementing some measures to ensure that it is well-positioned to detect early and respond to any surge in respiratory pathogens in line with the WHO recommendations,” the statement said.
It listed the following measures:
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- Enhancing surveillance at all levels for acute respiratory diseases
- Expanding laboratory testing capabilities in the country
- Regular assessment of the situation in the Northern Hemisphere
- Public sensitisation
Read the full statement below:
By GhanaFact Newsroom
