Dr Afoko advocates local PPE production to boost pandemic preparedness
Dr Akisibadex Afoko, Medical Director, Tamale Urology and Modern Surgery Centre (TUMSC) has called for increased investment in local production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness for future pandemics and public health emergencies.
He said building domestic capacity to manufacture PPE would reduce dependence on imports during disease outbreaks, guarantee steady supplies, create jobs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Dr Afoko made the call in Tamale during the presentation of 200 PPE suits and more than 3,000 face masks by TUMSC to the Northern Regional Health Directorate to support emergency preparedness and response efforts in the region.
The items were to be distributed to district health directorates and health facilities to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and protect frontline healthcare workers.
Dr Afoko warned that Ghana could face serious challenges during future pandemics or lockdowns if deliberate steps were not taken to ensure a dependable domestic supply of protective equipment.
He noted that access to quality PPE remained a challenge because of shortages and high costs, making it imperative for the country to invest in adequate stockpiles and local manufacturing.
He said “The country should encourage manufacturers particularly those in the plastics industry to diversify into the production of PPE.”
He suggested that some plastic manufacturing companies could shift from producing single-use plastic bags, which contributed to environmental pollution to manufacturing PPE and other essential medical supplies.
Dr Chrysantus Kubio, Northern Regional Director of Health, who received the items on behalf of the Ghana Health Service, expressed appreciation to TUMSC for the support.
He said infection prevention remained a critical component of outbreak response and that the donation would strengthen the region’s readiness to respond to disease outbreaks.
He said “We are happy to receive this PPE from the Tamale Urology and Modern Surgery Centre to beef up our supplies for emergency response in the region.”
Dr Kubio assured the donor that the PPE suits and face masks would be distributed to facilities where they were most needed and commended TUMSC for complementing government efforts to safeguard public health.
Source: GNA