UHAS launches campaign to fight against coronavirus in Ho

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in the Volta region has lunched a public awareness campaign entitled, " Say no to Coronavirus in Ho" with a slogan " Know how to protect yourself " with aim to fighting the pandemic coronavirus within the Ho Municipality.

The Director of Public Affairs of the University, Mrs. Maria Giwira revealed that, the University is well prepared to educate the public on the virus and relevant prevention measures.

Speaking at a Press Conference held on Monday 16, March at the Volta Press Centre, she indicated that UHAS in collaboration with the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) in last month, February assembled an emergency meeting to strategise on an emergency preparedness and response plan toward the coronavirus, should any case be recorded in the area.

" out of that meeting, four sup groups were formed all these comprised officials from UHAS and also personnel from the Ho Teaching Hospital, the four groups that were formed included, a Clinical subgroup, a laboratory or diagnostic subgroup, education and training subgroup  and publicity and advocacy subgroup" she said.

These groups are tasked on various roles respectively, and will be working within the University environment as internal target group and Ho Municipality as external targeted group.

The Laboratory Physician Microbiologist and Head of Clinical Group, Dr. Emilie Boakye Yiadom said, " the clinical preparations and laboratory preparation has been in two fold, number one has being to strengthen what is already existing and also try and build up new facilities if possible, so the hospital has designated a ward for isolating suspected cases while we are testing them" she noted.

She further noted that, the two stakeholders, UHAS and HTH,has plans to expand the current facility dedicated for suspected cases when needed.

" they are plans to expand the current facility that we have to be able to take in more people in case in-country transmission also occurs" she said.

In accordance with the Presidential directive, UHAS asked all students to vacate the school's facilities across its campuses and including private affiliated hostels by 3pm of Wednesday, 17 March.

The Volta Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA,Volta, Mr. Bells Kafui Kanyi advised journalists to consider the various protective measures while reporting on the development, He encouraged the members to cross check before reporting especially on the COVID-19.