Accra, May 26, GNA- As part of Ghana's preparedness, to address an outbreak of Swine Influenza, should it occur, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health are enhancing the capacity of health facility staff for effective case management in the event of any suspected or confirmed case.

The training, targeting the various influenza teams from the regional, hospitals, teaching hospitals and some selected hospitals comprise of a medical doctor, nurse in charge, the laboratory biomedical scientist and the regional Deputy Director in-charge of clinical care. Speaking at the close of a two-day training workshop for participants from the southern sector in Accra, Dr Lawson Ahadzie, Head of Disease Surveillance Unit of GHS said though Ghana has not yet reported any confirmed case of the Influenza also known as A(H1N1) the country still remained on the high alert to investigate and manage any suspected case.

He explained that the spread of the Influenza in North America and Europe posed a potential threat of global significance whilst countries and international organizations were closely monitoring the situation, assessing their risks, developing and implementing preparedness as well as response plans.

The country has been divided into two zones-southern which comprise of Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Volta and Western regions including the Airport Clinic, Police, 37 Military and Korle-Bu Teaching hospitals and the northern zone comprising of Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper East, Upper West, and Komfo Anokyi Teaching hospitals The disease, which may present itself like a common clod with cough, sore throat -, fever, catarrh, general weakness, body ache and headache and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea may also lead to severe pneumonia with difficulty in breathing, rapid breathing and chest pain. Dr Ahadzie noted that the World Health Organisation has recommended that there should be no restriction of regular travels or closure of borders adding "it is however prudent for people who are ill to delay international travels and for people developing symptoms following international travels seek immediate medical attention".

He urged people to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and wash their hands regularly. Dr. George Amofa advised participants to put in place a facility plan in addition to the regional preparedness plan to address the pandemic should it occur since preparedness begins with planning. He urged them to undertake simulation exercises just to be sure of how effective their preparedness will be.

Dr. James Appiah-Kusi Physician at the Eastern Regional hospital told the Ghana News Agency that at the facility level, some measures had already been put in place and that national training was to consolidate what the regions had done.

He called for more sensitization of every health personnel and the general public on the Influenza and urged the media to join in the crusade.

Mr. Emmanuel Addipa-Adapoe a Bio-Medical Scientist at the Ridge Hospital called for the activation of the communication system to enhance easy referral of cases from the districts to regional hospitals and reference laboratories. He said Flu teams should hold frequent stakeholders meetings to holistically train the necessary health personnel on case management and containment. 26 May 09