The Ghana Health Service (GHS), with support from the Global Fund, has commenced a nationwide capacity-building initiative to strengthen the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system across regional hospitals. As part of this effort, a two-day training workshop was organized for clinicians in the Effutu Municipality on July 17 and 18, 2025.Held at the Municipal Assembly’s conference hall, the training brought together healthcare professionals from several institutions including the Effutu Municipal Hospital, local health centers, Otoo Memorial Hospital, Klimovic Memorial Hospital, University of Education, Winneba Clinic, and Coast for Christ Hospital.Key stakeholders present included the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah; Regional Deputy Director of Health, Dr. Dennis Odai Laryea; Head of Disease Surveillance at GHS, Dr. Joshua Arthur; and Surveillance Officer, Madam Stella Dzifa Sekpey, among others.In his opening remarks, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah applauded the relentless efforts of health practitioners in managing the recent cholera outbreak. He emphasized the significance of the workshop, stating that it aims to reinforce existing knowledge and build new skills across the health workforce, including nurses, physicians, laboratory staff, and pharmacists.“This training is vital in ensuring that all clinicians are equipped to detect and respond effectively to public health conditions. Your full participation contributes to the overall strength and resilience of our health system,” he said.Dr. Dennis Odai Laryea reiterated the importance of aligning national health surveillance efforts with the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005. He noted that the workshop covered priority diseases, surveillance protocols, risk communication, and specifically, the emerging threat of Mpox.Madam Stella Dzifa Sekpey underscored the critical role of standardized case definitions in disease detection and reporting. She stressed the responsibility of health facilities in promptly identifying and notifying relevant authorities about potential outbreaks.Dr. Joshua Arthur gave an in-depth presentation on Mpox, classifying it as a priority disease in Ghana. He described Mpox as a contagious but largely self-limiting illness with no specific treatment. He also revealed that there have been suspected cases reported in Winneba, highlighting the urgent need for active surveillance.The training concluded with a strong call to action, emphasizing the importance of Strengthening surveillance and reporting systems; Enhancing health worker capacity through ongoing training and technical support; and Promoting collaboration among stakeholders for a coordinated public health response.In his closing remarks, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah urged clinicians to remain vigilant and proactive. “Timely detection and reporting can make a crucial difference in our ability to respond to public health threats. Let us work together to build a resilient healthcare system capable of facing future challenges,” he concluded.The training session reaffirmed the Ghana Health Service’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms, ultimately enhancing the country’s readiness to manage public health emergencies.
STORY BY: CHARLES BAAH ABOAGYE & MATILDA A. ARTHUR -ISD
Last modified: July 20, 2025
