Health News of Saturday, 25 October 2014

Source: GNA

Three institutions assist ministry to fight Ebola

Three corporate institutions have presented medical supplies and cheque to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its quest to fight Ebola.

The three institutions are the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Newmont Ghana and Kasapreko Company Limited.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines presented 225 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), 65 units of infra-red thermometers, 30 hospital beds and 66 gallons of bleach.

Newmont Ghana also assisted MOH with PPEs, thermal scanners, education materials for print and radio, training of hospital staff through ISOS International and the establishment of two isolation centres at Ahafo and Akyem.

Kasapreko also supported the Ministry with PPEs and thermometers worth GH¢30,000.00 and a cheque for GH¢20,000.00.

Speaking at the presentation Mr Johan Ferreira, President, Ghana Chamber of Mines, said the institution recognised Government’s fight against Ebola, hence its readiness to assist.

“As a good corporate citizen, it is only natural that the Chamber and its members throw their modest weight behind the Government in undertaking this laudable endeavour,” he said.

He said members of the Chamber had always supported the health sector including the training of community members in first aid through the formation of Safety Brigade and financing the establishment of health facilities.

“We are also into the provision of potable water for our communities, construction of community centres, schools, Alternative Livelihood projects, among others,”, he added.

He said last year, members of the Chamber invested about $1.5milion on various health projects for their host communities.

Mr Ferreira, who is also the Head of Newmont Africa, said although Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case, it was important for the nation to take proactive steps to prevent and to manage it.

He said the company had embarked on a sustained campaign of educating and creating awareness of the disease among its employees, business partners and surrounding communities.

Mr Stephen Oppong, Director, marketing and sales, Kasapreko Ghana Limited also expressed the readiness of his Company to support the government in any way possible to fight the disease.

Dr Victor Bampoe, Deputy Minister of Health, who received the items expressed his appreciation to the three companies and reiterated the government’s commitment towards ensuring that Ghana was spared of the scourge of the disease.