Courage at the Frontline: A Ghanaian Doctor’s Fight Against COVID-19
When the world was gripped by the chaos of COVID-19, Ghana, like much of Africa, was largely on the receiving end of global information and response strategies. The early days were marked by fear, uncertainty, and a healthcare system pushed to its limits. Just as the first wave subsided, successive waves each driven by new, more aggressive variants brought renewed pressure. It was in this storm that the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre (GIDC) was built, quickly becoming the country’s frontline hub for managing COVID-19 cases, from mild outpatient infections to the most critical ICU admissions.
As the government worked to establish a permanent medical team for the new national center, many physicians hesitated concerned about constant exposure and the unknowns that came with working in such a high-risk environment. But among the few who stepped forward was Dr. Esi Mansa Aidoo. Accepting a permanent appointment to GIDC, she became part of the pioneering team tasked not only with battling an evolving virus but also with shaping Ghana’s long-term response to infectious disease threats.
Assigned to the prestigious Ghana Infectious Disease Center (GIDC) in Ga East, Dr. Aidoo worked on the frontline as a physician in both the High Dependency Unit (HDU) and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There, she managed some of the most complex COVID-19 cases, including ventilated patients suffering from severe respiratory distress, sepsis, and multi-organ failure. Her role demanded not only medical acumen but emotional strength, as many patients were isolated from their families and terrified of dying alone.
“It wasn’t just about medicine,” she explained. “It was about presence. Just standing at someone’s bedside covered in PPE, sweating, exhausted, and letting them know they weren’t alone.”
She also took part in early training sessions on infection control, collaborated with respiratory therapists and nurses, and provided counselling and encouragement to both the patients and their families. Her empathy extended beyond treatment; she advocated for improved mental health support for both patients and staff, helping set up brief counseling circles for overworked healthcare workers.
Dr. Aidoo’s calm leadership during those intense months inspired many colleagues. Her supervisors noted her ability to remain composed in life-and-death situations and her dedication to holistic care. “She brought a level of compassion that transcended protocol,” said Dr. Oliver Commey, the Associate General Director of GIDC.
As part of her role at the Infectious Disease Center, she has contributed to several nationwide post-COVID recovery strategy sessions hosted by the Ministry of Health, advocating for better training in crisis communication and community resilience. Her fieldwork has helped inform recommendations on strengthening the country’s pandemic preparedness.
Her heroic efforts not only saved lives but continues to elevate the national conversation around youth leadership in healthcare emergencies. In times where many were broken by the burden, Dr. Aidoo rose, becoming a voice of hope, strength, and accountability.
By Claud Nyarko Adams
