Enhance capacity of Covid testing centres to tackle MVD – Lab Scientist to government
Government has been advised by the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) to take maximum advantage of the current dormant state of Marburg Virus Disease in the country to seriously enhance the capacity of some Covid-19 testing laboratories within the country to be able to battle virus.
This the group says will benefit the country in providing swift response should the virus re-emerge.
As a testament to their readiness, the GAMLS revealed they had already conducted an assessment regarding the risk and needs of the labs that were tasked to test for the virus.
“In the view of the professional body, such capacity building is the best way to be prepared to handle the Marburg virus disease, an outbreak of Monkeypox and other infectious diseases that are lurking around our neighbouring countries or may face us shortly.”
Ghanaians have also been advised to pay heed to the preventive measures put in place and also adhere to advice from the Disease Control Unit of the Ghana Health Service and alert the nearest health facility of any illness.
“They should be assured that Medical Laboratory Professionals are ready to devote themselves to serve, as was seen with the management of the Covid-19 pandemic with the provided resources,” it added.
As of 4th July 2022, the Ghana Health Service revealed they were 3 cases of Marburg Virus Disease that were being dealt with.
After the three positive cases that were being tackled, 198 contacts were identified, isolated and managed.
The Ghana Health Service, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research as well as medical professionals received plaudits from the association for the speed with which the cases were identified, diagnosed and treated.
