The Ministry of Health in Ghana has introduced an Ebola screening protocol for all passengers arriving at the Accra International Airport. This move is in response to the recent outbreak of the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in certain African countries. The screening aims to minimize the risk of Ebola being brought into Ghana and spreading through international travel. As of now, Ghana has not recorded any case of the Ebola Disease.
The new protocol is in line with the commitments made at the recent Africa CDC ministerial meeting on Ebola. The meeting brought together all 55 African member states, who agreed to implement preparedness actions and strengthen cross-border and border-point surveillance. The goal is to keep borders open while investing in measures to prevent transmission. The measures include requiring passengers to complete a Health Declaration Form before travel.
Passengers are required to truthfully declare any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected countries in the previous 21 days. They must also disclose close contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient or participation in funeral rites. On arrival, every passenger will undergo screening by Port Health officers. The screening includes non-contact temperature checks, a review of the Health Declaration Form, and travel history.
Passengers with symptoms suggestive of Ebola or recent travel from affected countries will be referred for immediate secondary assessment. They will be temporarily isolated for evaluation. The Ghana Health Service will monitor passengers arriving from countries with ongoing transmission for up to 21 days. They will also conduct follow-up checks on these passengers.
The Ministry of Health has directed the hospitality sector to report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate. Hotels and other hospitality facilities are required to keep records of all persons who access their facilities while such guests are hosted. This move aims to ensure that guests from affected countries are properly monitored.
All arriving passengers are required to cooperate fully with Port Health officers. They must provide truthful travel and health information, follow screening instructions, and practise frequent hand hygiene. Passengers are also required to report immediately if symptoms develop. The Ministry warned that any passenger who knowingly gives false information or refuses to comply with screening will be subject to public health measures under Ghanaian law.
The Ministry of Health advised the public to rely on official information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service. They should avoid spreading rumors and only share verified information. The Ministry is working to ensure that Ghana is prepared to prevent the spread of Ebola.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health in Ghana introduces Ebola screening for travelers at Accra Airport.
- The screening protocol includes Health Declaration Forms and Port Health officer checks.
- Passengers from affected countries will be monitored for up to 21 days.
