The German Government, through GIZ, yesterday handed over 45 ventilators and other medical equipment tothe Ghanaian government to assist the country’s case management and fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Besides the items, including 5,000 pulse oximeters and consumables valued at about €376,000, the GIZ was also offering a two-day training to at least 20 staff members of all beneficiary hospitals across the country.
Making the presentation, the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Sander Hans-Helge, said the gesture was part of efforts to strengthenhealth systems of 16 partner countries in Latin America and Africa to curb the pandemic.
“The world is experiencing extraordinary times as the COVID-19 pandemic continues affecting global health systems. Even countries with well-equipped infrastructure have not been spared.
“Ghana and other African countries have not experienced as high cases per capita as Europe and North America, yet with the recent reports showing a rise in active cases, it appears a third wave is inevitable,” he noted.
Mr. Hans-Helge held that current vaccination rates on the African continent affirmed the need to strengthen emergency preparation measures and equipping of health facilities with requisite infrastructure and personnel during and after the pandemic.
He expressed hope that the government would ensure continuous training of personnel on dynamics of the virus as well as the use and maintenance of equipment to protect lives.
“The goodwill, collective support and commitment of the Government of Ghana strengthen our resolve, as a partner, to continue to provide the necessary support to curb the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana,” he said.
A Deputy Minister of Health, Tina NaaAyeley Mensah, who received the items on behalf of government, expressed appreciation to the German government, recounting the numerous support offered by them since Ghana recorded its first COVID-19 case in March 2020.
She mentioned that Germany, through GIZ had assisted Ghana in its surveillance, testing and treatment efforts to curb the pandemic as well as donating items, including laptops and tablets, humidifiers, patient monitors and personal protective equipment to control the disease.
“The receipt of these ventilators, pulse oximeters and consumables shows how committed the German government is to ensuring that the health of persons living in Ghana are protected accordingly.
“We are extremely grateful for this kind gesture and we do promise to ensure that these ventilators and other resources given to us are utilized effectively and efficiently,” he said.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH