The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners such as the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has introduced the National Public Health Mandate and key guidelines in Accra, Ghana.
During the event, Rev. Professor Ferdinand Ayeh-Kumi, who chaired the occasion, commended the Ministry of Health for its vision and acknowledged the Technical Working Group for its efforts in developing the documents.
Rev. Professor Ayeh-Kumi praised the Ministry of Health for its vision and appreciated the Technical Working Group for their sacrifices in the development of the documents.
The unveiled 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 more. These initiatives mark a significant step in improving the country’s public health systems, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Documents Unveiled:
- National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027
- Ghana Laboratory Quality Management Systems Checklist
- Ghana Laboratory Risk Management Training Curriculum
- National Biosafety and Biosecurity Guide for Laboratories
- Guidelines for an Integrated National Specimen Referral and Transport System
- Development of a Tiered Level Laboratory System in Ghana
- National Guidelines for One-Health Specimen Collection and Handling
- Reference Laboratories for Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana
- Ghana Laboratory Safety Manual
This latest launch represents a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its public health systems, particularly post-COVID-19. The National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027 aims to provide a comprehensive mandate for coordinating public health efforts, and addressing human, animal, and environmental health.
Minister of Health Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye stressed the importance of laboratory networking within the One Health framework, especially during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the health system and highlighted key areas for improvement.
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Dr. Okoe Boye emphasized the critical role of laboratory networking in disease diagnosis and surveillance. He acknowledged the need for system strengthening, including the medical laboratory sector, which has been vital in responding to public health threats.
Dr. Okoe Boye also acknowledged the historical development of the medical laboratory sector and emphasized that while progress has been made, there is still much to achieve. He expressed confidence that the new mandate and guidelines will help harmonize efforts and ensure a coordinated approach to public health.
Dr. Okoe Boye reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening the health system and achieving universal health coverage. “The government is committed to investing in health system strengthening,” he said. “This launch demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality healthcare services.”
He outlined key areas of focus for health system strengthening, including improving infrastructure, enhancing human resources, strengthening public health laboratory services, and promoting quality healthcare. He also acknowledged the role of development partners in these efforts.
Development partners, led by the CDC Representative, praised the Ministry’s efforts to bolster public health systems and pledged ongoing support. The attendees, including healthcare professionals and policymakers, recognized the importance of collaboration in implementing the new initiatives.
Dr. Ignatius N. A Awinibuno, the Director of Allied Health at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the need for coordination and support from development partners to successfully implement the new documents. He stressed that effective implementation requires collective effort and the support of development partners to build capacity and ensure quality laboratory services.
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Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized the significance of the new documents in enhancing healthcare delivery. The objectives include strengthening the laboratory network, improving disease surveillance, enhancing service quality, ensuring compliance with international standards, and guiding sample collection and referral systems.
Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani, President of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, applauded the Minister’s leadership and pledged support for the implementation of the new initiatives. He expressed confidence in the association’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to achieve world-class laboratory services and universal health coverage in Ghana.
Dr. Rahamani highlighted the importance of the documents in improving laboratory services, disease surveillance, and epidemic response. He assured that the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists will work closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
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