Highlights in Ghana

There is no confirmed EVD case reported in Ghana to date.
Ongoing surveillance for EVD as part of surveillance for viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF)
Highlights in neighbouring countries as of 31 May, 2014

Sierra Leone: EVD outbreak declared 26th May in Kailahun District, 15 cases confirmed as at 30 May out 48 suspected cases from 7 districts. All confirmed cases are from Kailahun.
Guinea: as at 28th May, 291 cumulative cases of EVD reported including 172 confirmed and 193 deaths (case fatality rate of 66%) from 8 districts. The last confirmed case placed in isolation on 28/05/2014.
Liberia: One new suspected case reported 29th May who died in Foya district is under investigation. Before this latest suspect, no new case had been reported since 9th April and the total cumulative cases were 12 including 6 confirmed and 9 deaths
No travel restrictions to any part of West Africa or rest of the world
1. Planning and Coordination

Three meetings of National Technical Coordinating Committee held
Initial GhC 800,000 approved by government to support the immediate needs of the Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan with GhC 50,000 released to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) so far.
2. Surveillance and Laboratory

Twelve samples of suspected VHF from Brong Ahafo Region, Ashanti  Region, Eastern  Region, Greater Accra Region and Upper East Region sent to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for testing have been declared negative for Ebola and other VHF 
Sixty regional surveillance and disease control officers and 90 port health staff trained on Ebola surveillance with training being cascaded to lower level
Orientation on EVD held for all Regional Health Administrations
GhC15,000 released to NMIMR by GHS to support laboratory activities
Thirty PPE presented to NMIMR by WHO
3. Case Management

First batch of 470 PPE from WHO presented to MOH and Noguchi for prepositioning.
Fifteen copies of Clinical Management of VHF Guide and 5 sets of 3 wall charts presented to MOH by WHO
Second consignment of 210 heavy duty PPE kits including cadaver bags presented to MOH by WHO
4. Social Mobilization

Press briefing on EVD conducted by Minister of Health
Advertiser’s’ announcement with information on EVD, mode of spread, signs and symptoms and prevention  placed in leading newspapers
Radio and TV discussions and announcements on EVD ongoing
Two thousand posters and 2000 hand fliers on EVD presented to MOH by WHO
5. Upcoming Activities

Adaptation of VHF Clinical Management Guidelines
6. Challenges

No isolation unit designated yet to manage cases
Inadequate information campaign to the community level
Limited training of health workers on infection prevention and control measures