IOM Ghana last month organized a one-day simulation exercise in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service at two land border points of entry — Elubo on the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire border (14/12) and Aflao, on the Ghana-Togo border (16/12).The purpose of the simulation exercise was to assess the impact of support provided by IOM on frontline officers’ capacity to detect and handle potential cases of Ebola, as well as to identify areas that require further improvement. The exercise was part of the Ebola (EVD) preparedness program IOM is currently implementing, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, to build screening and surveillance capacities at Ghana’s borders. The capacity building activities included providing training to border officials, donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and hygiene equipment, provision of computers and isolation units, and community outreach and mobilization in selected towns around selected border posts. A debriefing session was held in Accra on 18 December 2015 with participation from UN partner agencies and government officials, including from the Ghana Health Service and Ghana Revenue Authority. The simulation exercises revealed a high level of border staff dedication and professionalism. There was timely case detection and initial case management. PPEs and hygiene materials were readily available and there was good communication between staff from Port Health and from other agencies at the Points of Entry. The rapid response and intervention from Elubo was both timely and appropriate.
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