He said although the significant drop in the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in Ghana was commendable, it did not mean that COVID-19 was over.

As of May 19, 2022, Ghana had just 41 active cases of COVID-19.

“I would, therefore, like to call on all of us to remain vigilant and continue adhering to the public health measures, such as wearing masks in crowded spaces, social distancing, hand-washing and ensuring that we are all fully vaccinated,” he advised the people.

Dr Kasolo said this when the WHO presented various emergency equipment and supplies to the Ministry of Health to support and strengthen the country’s COVID-19 response and emergency preparedness efforts.

The items included 40 oxygen concentrators and spare parts, 1,200 pieces of Venturi masks for adults, 1,200 pieces of Venturi masks for children, 4,000 pieces of nasal oxygen cannula with prongs (adults) and 4,000 pieces of paediatric nasal oxygen cannula with prongs.

WHO commitment

Dr Kasolo said the WHO remained committed to ensuring that the transmission of COVID-19 was interrupted and that a resilient health system capable of effectively responding to emergencies was built in Ghana.

He said the equipment presented could be used not just for COVID-19 situations but also other conditions that caused respiratory distress.

He acknowledged the contributions of the United Nations, multilateral and bi-lateral agencies in supporting the government of Ghana to effectively respond to the pandemic.

Preventive capacities

A Deputy Minister of Health, Mahama Asei Seini, who received the items, expressed the ministry’s gratitude to the WHO for the continuous support to meet its mandate.

He gave an assurance that the equipment would be put to good use, adding that the ministry would continue to strengthen preventive capacities to ensure that there was no new surge in COVID-19 cases.