On March 12, 2025, Ghana commemorates five years since the first COVID-19 case, during which approximately 172,000 infections and 1,462 deaths occurred. The pandemic catalyzed significant advancements in public health practices, notably in surveillance, laboratory capacity, and case management. Establishments like the National Vaccine Institute emerged to address future health threats. The national response highlighted the need for strong public-private partnerships, enhancing resilience against future outbreaks.
On March 12, 2025, Ghana commemorates five years since the first COVID-19 case was reported, marking a significant test for public health systems. Approximately 172,000 individuals were infected, with 1,462 fatalities documented. Despite these challenges, Ghana’s surveillance system displayed resilience until the World Health Organization declared a cessation of COVID-19 as a global health emergency in 2023. The nation’s response garnered recognition for its effectiveness in detecting, managing, and controlling virus transmission, highlighting major public health successes in preparation for future outbreaks.
The initial COVID-19 case surfaced while Ghana was already addressing circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks. This scenario incited a national, all-government strategy for pandemic management. The coordinated response from the central government, alongside collaborative inter-ministerial efforts, underscored the significance of public health’s position in national priorities, a transformation missing for many years.
The pandemic provided a unique opportunity for profound changes in disease surveillance, case management, and public health policies. Establishing national and regional Public Health Emergency Operation Centers (PHEOCs) was vital for effective coordination and management during the pandemic and highlighted critical response activities, enhancing the health sector’s infrastructure.
Ghana’s public health system witnessed remarkable advancements in disease surveillance. The transition from traditional paper-based systems to digital frameworks, such as the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS), revolutionized data reporting and management, bolstering public health practices at all levels. Improvements in laboratory testing capacity, including innovative pooled testing methods, positioned Ghana among the leading countries in the African Region for COVID-19 testing efficiency.
The pandemic accelerated the utilization of various laboratories, including the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine. This adaptability demonstrated the ability of Ghana’s public health system to effectively harness existing resources, fortifying diagnostic capacity during elevated health crises.
Another success was the implementation of a coordinated case management system, ensuring dedicated teams addressed serious COVID-19 cases in each region. The establishment of the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre (GIDC), a 100-bed facility created through public-private partnership, was pivotal for specialized care during the pandemic and is expected to play a vital role in controlling infectious diseases in the future.
Public-private partnerships fostered innovation and self-sufficiency, aiding the production of personal protective equipment (PPE), medications, and sanitizers to mitigate global supply chain disruptions. These collaborations ensured health workers received necessary supplies and helped maintain overall public health compliance.
The pandemic also facilitated enhanced cooperation among academia, public health experts, and policymakers. This collaboration led to expedited development of guidelines, training materials, and policy recommendations supported by evidence-based insights from real-time data. The integration of scientific understanding with policy formulation is instrumental in shaping future health crisis responses.
A significant outcome of the pandemic was the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) in Ghana, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency in vaccine production. This initiative aims to bolster the nation’s capacity to address future outbreaks and tackle vaccine-preventable diseases.
While COVID-19 disrupted many services, it nevertheless showcased the strengths of Ghana’s public health system. Enhancements in disease surveillance, laboratory capabilities, case management, public-private partnerships, and vaccine self-sufficiency are pivotal developments. These foundational successes highlight the importance of building a more resilient and proactive public health framework for addressing current and emerging infectious disease challenges.
In conclusion, the five-year mark since the initial COVID-19 case in Ghana reveals significant advancements in the nation’s public health systems. Key achievements include improved disease surveillance, enhanced laboratory capacities, and the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute. Although challenges were faced during the pandemic, the lessons learned and innovations sparked during this period must be leveraged to create a robust public health infrastructure, preparing Ghana for future health crises.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
