The Ministry of Health, in a significant international partnership with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has unveiled the National Public Health Mandate and a set of fundamental guidelines in Accra, Ghana.
This comprehensive initiative aims to enhance the country’s public health infrastructure after the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the launch event, Rev. Professor Ferdinand Ayeh-Kumi, who chaired the occasion, praised the Ministry for its vision and the Technical Working Group’s dedication to creating the documents.
“The Ministry of Health has demonstrated remarkable foresight, and we are grateful for the sacrifices made by the Technical Working Group in developing these crucial guidelines,” Ayeh-Kumi stated.
The newly introduced documents include the National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027, the Ghana Laboratory Quality Management Systems Checklist, the Ghana Laboratory Risk Management Training Curriculum, the National Biosafety and Biosecurity Guide for Laboratories, and additional guidelines designed to strengthen laboratory networks and improve public health systems.
These measures significantly advance Ghana’s public health response and preparedness by providing a clear framework for coordinating public health efforts, improving disease surveillance, enhancing laboratory service quality, and ensuring compliance with international standards.
Health Minister Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, represented at the event by his Deputy Alexander Akwasi Acquah, emphasized the pivotal role of laboratory networking, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic underscored the need for a robust laboratory network for effective disease diagnosis and surveillance.
Strengthening our systems, including the medical laboratory sector, is crucial in responding to public health threats,” Acquah read from Dr. Okoe Boye’s speech.
Dr. Okoe Boye also reflected on the historical development of Ghana’s medical laboratory sector, noting its evolution from colonial times to the present.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the health system: “While we have made significant progress, much remains to be achieved.
These new guidelines will help harmonize our efforts and ensure a coordinated approach to public health.”
The Health Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to investing in health system strengthening and emphasized that the launch of these documents signifies a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage, with continued support from development partners.
Key areas of focus include improving infrastructure and equipment, improving human resources, and promoting quality healthcare services.
Development partners, led by the CDC Representative, commended the Ministry’s efforts and expressed continued support for strengthening public health systems.
“This initiative is crucial to better preparedness for public health threats. We are committed to supporting the Ministry’s endeavours,” the CDC Representative remarked.
The event was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, who recognized the importance of collaboration in implementing these new guidelines. Dr. Ignatius N. A. Awinibuno, Director of Allied Health at the Ministry, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts and support from development partners.
“Successful implementation of these documents requires collective effort and resources from all stakeholders,” Awinibuno stated.
Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, highlighted the guidelines’ significance in enhancing healthcare delivery.
“The launch of these documents marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards strengthening our health system, particularly in laboratory services,” Aboagye said.
Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani, President of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, praised the Minister’s leadership and expressed commitment to successfully implementing the new guidelines.
“We are dedicated to collaborating with the Ministry to achieve world-class laboratory services and contribute to universal health coverage,” Rahamani assured.
The new documents provide a framework for coordinating public health efforts, improving disease surveillance, enhancing laboratory service quality, and ensuring compliance with international standards.
The launch represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient and responsive public health system.
