We are not in ordinary times is a statement most Ghanaians are familiar with momentarily. If we were told at the beginning of 2020 that a particular virus will shake the world and bring all activities to a standstill, many could have placed a bet of their last savings to refute this assertion but here we are with the Coronavirus.
What started as pneumonia of unknown cause first detected in Wuhan was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in China on 31st December 2019. After data analysis, coordination with partners and increased supplies, the outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30th January 2020.
A call was made by the international community to help protect states with weaker health systems as part of its strategic preparedness and response plan. The world woke up to a new term COVID-19 on 11th February 2020 when WHO announced it.
Many are of the view that COVID-19 compels Africa to improve on its weak healthcare system drastically. Some have even put a religious twist to this with claims that God allowed the virus into Africa at this time to teach our leaders a lesson to fix our system because lockdowns across the world have restricted travels.
In a recently published paper on the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s website titled COVID -19 in Africa: A call for coordinated governance, improved health structures and better data. The Foundation after analyzing Africa’s readiness and capacity to manage the COVID-19 pandemic concluded that Africa may yet be worse hit by this invisible disease.
Africa was already seen to have fragile health systems. The WHO boss Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has cautioned Africa to “wake up” to the COVID-19 threat and prepare for a worst-case scenario.
Being home to over a billion people, public health systems across the continent will most likely be overwhelmed if the virus takes hold. It is, therefore, a wake-up call for improving Africa’s weak health structures and related institutional capacities, such as education, infrastructure and national security. This will further allow nations to strengthen data and statistical capacity in health and improve social welfare.
Interestingly African Leaders have put in strategic measures to reduce the spread of the virus. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo Addo was singled out for commendation on the international after his 4th Address to the nation on COVID-19. WHO Director, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and British Broadcaster Piers Morgan took on social media commend the President on his address.
America, Europe and Asia are usual healthcare centres for most African leaders and the elites. What happens to these leaders and elites who can only treat their sicknesses abroad but with all the monies cannot risk travelling this time?
The travel bans have compelled most of our leaders and elites to understand the importance of building theirs without depending on others for quality health care.
South African health minister Aaron Motsoaledi is reported to have said a few years ago, that “We are the only continent that has its leaders seeking medical services outside the continent, outside our territory. We must be ashamed.”
Africa has an abundant human resource that is ready to work. However, they are denied opportunities for lack of infrastructure like schools to study. For an instant, Ghana is quick to fall on Cuba to import Cuban doctors to aid the failing health system due to lack of doctors and nurses.
Why don’t we ask how Cuba did it instead of constantly rushing to them for their doctors and nurses?
The Ghana Medical and Dental Council has expressed worries about the existing doctor-patient ratio in the country. Recently, the Registrar at the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, Dr Eli Atikpui called on the government to focus on expanding facilities in medical schools.
“We had one doctor to about 8000 -10,000 patients. Five years later we came down to about a doctor to 6,000. Currently, we have one doctor to 4,000 population. If Ghana’s population is pegged at 28 million and we have a little over 7,000 doctors who have registered and are in good standing. I think there is a need for us to start expanding the facilities especially our faculty.”
How can health workers be pleading for Government for a job? Some are unemployed for two or three years.
Many health workers seek employment overseas because of poor working conditions or joblessness. Interestingly, a politician in Africa can accumulate massive wealth and leave in luxury within a short time, yet a doctor can work for 5 years and would not be able to make ends meet.
No one knows when the next pandemic will occur. We must learn and improve the health care system in the country. Prayer without acting is mere talk.
Michael Sa-Ambo – African Post Online
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Michael Sa-Ambo is a consummate writer who is passionate about development on the African continent. His area of interest is in current affairs, personal development and communication.
