NON – STATE ACTORS FOR HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT GHANA (NSA – GHANA)

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NON – STATE ACTORS FOR HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT GHANA CALL FOR CSOs INVOLVEMENT IN COMBATING COVID – 19

The number of COVID – 19 cases continue to increase at a fast rate and this can only be a warning that it might get worse before it gets better. One major reason is many confirmed cases having had contact with others before being quarantined or isolated.

Though public gatherings have been banned, schools have been shut down, some markets have been fumigated, borders have been closed, Ghanaian society and culture still make it very easy for already existing cases to spread.

The leadership displayed by government in its decisions and actions regarding handling current circumstance is commendable. Forcefully quarantining people who were on the last international flight that came into the country,  has reduced the potential gravity of the situation as  the increasing number of positive COVID – 19 cases recorded amongst those isolated  could have been far worse if they had been allowed to mix up with the masses with the idea of practicing self – isolation.

However, is it the sole responsibility of government to act accordingly in response to controlling this pandemic?

Civil Society Organisations have a role to play to complement efforts of government to increase the end results of measures put in place.

• Extensive public education and sensitization: Though public education on the current situation and measures to take to prevent the spread of COVID – 19 have been initiated, not all have had access to these. Therefore, there are still many who do not know what exactly is going or/and what to do. A rapid assessment conducted by the Non State Actors for Health and Development organization revealed some people who do not believe that the disease exists or is in the country for the mere fact of not having seen anyone with it,  whilst  others  believe  local drinks and certain concoctions can make them immune to the disease. NGOs, faith-based groups, professional bodies, philanthropic foundations, traditional leaders, etc must make it a point to take advantage of any opportunity to educate people on what is going on and what they need to do in these times. They must also ensure that they do not instil fear in people which can lead to panic.

• Involvement of CSOs in decision making: CSOs are closer to the smaller units of society which makes them perfect candidates to help bring issues on board that are relevant in taking decision that affect the masses as well as ensure the proper dissemination and implementation of these decisions. It is also a good opportunity to show that the leaders in government acknowledge the existence and importance of civil society organisations.

• Financial support/Donations: It is a no brainer that financial support, not necessarily in cash, can come a long way to help in this situation. Donations to health workers, health centres, other essential service organizations and their workers will encourage them in the work they do. Similarly, providing support to the underserved who may be going through tough times due to the economic implications of the disease resulting from loss of jobs and lockdown arrangements.

• Health service support: CSOs are again best placed to provide support to the health care system so as to reduce the burden on them. CSOs can therefore assist in the navigation through accessing health care by exposed ones and also assist in the contact tracing of contacts of confirmed cases.

Though CSOs stand firmly behind the government and will support to complement its efforts, we acknowledge and will continue to promote the precautionary methods being publicised which include;

1. Wash hands with soap and under clean running water for twenty seconds frequently (use alcohol – based hand sanitizer when soap and clean running water is unavailable).
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Cover your mouth when coughing using the bend of your elbow or a tissue (dispose it immediately after use).
4. Seek medical care if you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing but call first. (Toll free number: 112)
5. Practise social distancing. Avoid overly crowded places. Stay at home unless it is very important to step out and if you do, maintain at least one metre distance between yourself and the next person.
6. Eat a healthy balanced diet to boost the immune system.
7. Get information from trusted sources (Ghana Health Service: 0558439868, 0509497700, www.ghanahealthservice.org/covid19).

Issued: 28th March, 2020 in Accra

by the Non – State Actors for Health and Development Ghana.

Editor’s Note: NSA – Ghana is a coalition of non – state actors operating in the health sector in Ghana. This includes NGOs, media, traditional leaders, academic institutions, philanthropic foundations among other relevant bodies. This platform is not a replacement for any existing networks but rather to serve as a very strong coordinating platform for advocacy to ensure that the desired change that society expects from the health sector is achieved.  Website: www.nsaghana.com