The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched the Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity Building for the African Volunteers Health Corps (AVoHC-SURGE) in Ho, Volta Region, on July 27, 2024. This initiative aims to train 55 multidisciplinary teams to respond to public health emergencies within 24 to 48 hours, both locally and internationally. The teams will include experts from national, regional, and district levels, bringing diverse skills and experience in emergency management.
Emergency preparedness and response involve proactive measures to ensure safety before, during, and after emergencies, including natural disasters. The AVoHC-SURGE initiative underscores the GHS’s commitment to enhancing these measures, ensuring rapid and effective responses to health crises.
The initiative responds to advocacy efforts by organizations like SEND Ghana, which have campaigned for increased government investment in emergency preparedness and response. SEND Ghana’s campaign emphasized the need for dedicated budget allocations to prepare for and manage epidemics effectively. The launch of AVoHC-SURGE reflects the government’s recognition of this need and its commitment to proactive health system resilience.
The initiative will train teams in various aspects of emergency management, including disease surveillance, rapid response protocols, and coordination with international health bodies. This comprehensive approach aims to improve Ghana’s capacity to handle emergencies and contribute to global health crisis management efforts.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who has been a strong advocate for improving Ghana’s health infrastructure, has shown support for the initiative, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding the nation’s health.
The launch event in Ho brought together stakeholders from various sectors, highlighting the collaborative effort required to enhance emergency preparedness. By investing in initiatives like AVoHC-SURGE, the GHS aims to safeguard the health of Ghanaians and set a standard for other nations in the region. This proactive approach will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of future public health emergencies.
