Preparing for Ebola Virus Disease in West African Countries Not Yet Affected: Perspectives from Ghanaian Health Professionals

Globalization and Health

Yaw Nyarko, Lewis Goldfrank, Gbenga Ogedegbe, Sari Soghoian, Ama de-Graft Aikins and NYU-UG-KBTH Ghana Ebola Working Group

Background: The current Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic has ravaged the social fabric of three West African countries and affected people worldwide. We report key themes from an agenda-setting, multi-disciplinary roundtable convened to examine experiences and implications for health systems in Ghana, a nation without cases but where risk for spread is high and the economic, social and political impact of the impending threat is already felt.

Summary: The EVD epidemic provides an unprecedented opportunity for West African countries not yet affected by EVD cases to make progress on tackling long-standing health systems weaknesses. This roundtable discussion emphasized the urgent need to strengthen capacity for infection control, occupational health and safety, and leadership coordination. Significant commitment is needed to raise standards of hygiene in communities and health facilities, build mechanisms for collaboration across sectors, and engage community stakeholders in creating the needed solutions. It would be both devastating and irresponsible to waste the opportunity.

Keywords: Contact surveillance, Ebola virus disease, Global health crisis, Infection control, Personal protective equipment, Preparedness, Psychological consequences