The Australian Government is supporting Ghana’s Ebola preparedness with AUD250,000, approximately GH¢ 670,000 through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to help raise public awareness and promote behaviours to mitigate transmission.

A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, signed by the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms Joanna Adamson, said: “This contribution will help Ghanaian communities understand and adopt practices that will help minimise the risk of Ebola and other communicable diseases.

“Ghana is a regional hub with many international border crossings. Although there have been no Ebola cases reported in Ghana to date, we are supporting Ghana’s efforts to remain vigilant and be prepared.”

The statement said Australia’s contribution would go towards UNICEF’s social mobilisation and risk communication activities, a key element of the Government of Ghana’s Ebola Preparedness Plan.

It said the fund would be used to print and distribute materials to community leaders and young people; engage with schools to increase understanding and promote key behaviours such as hygiene practices.

The funds would also be used to broadcast Ebola awareness messages through local radio and television channels, cell phone messaging and other IT platforms and help to establish the national hotline on Ebola.