Some seven Covid-19 treatment and other health centres in the middle belt regions of Ghana have received Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other medical items from the Covid-19 National Trust Fund.

The items form part of a GH₵10million worth of supplies being distributed across the country to individuals and institutions who are directly engaged in the combat of the virus.

Member of the Fund, Mrs. Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, said the donation was to address shortages widely reported by frontline health workers.

Challenges in the Covid-19 fight have been heightened by PPE shortages at treatment and other health facilities with many health professionals and stakeholders describing the situation as worrying.

With over 23,000 confirmed cases and 135 deaths as of July 11, 2020, the arrival of such supplies can only be a relief.

The exponential rise in Ghana’s case count presents a challenge to all to do everything possible to intensify the collective efforts in fighting this deadly pandemic.

Presenting the items for the centres in the five regions, Mrs Afenyi -Dadzie who led the delegation to the Kumasi South Hospital also appealed for continues public and corporate support.

“We appeal to all Ghanaians, groups, individuals, churches, NGOs, corporate bodies and the general public to continue to make contributions to support the Trust Fund in both cash and in-kind, to enable it continue to discharge its mandate of helping those who are infected with or affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the needy and the vulnerable in the society”.

Health facilities including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Obuasi Government hospital, Kumasi South Regional Hospital, Mampong Government hospital and Goaso Municipal Hospital recieved some items.

Others where the Holy Family Hospital and the Sunyani Regional Hospital.

Expressing gratitude for the gesture, the Director in Charge of the Adansi Covid-19 Treatment Centre, who also doubles as the Medical Superintendent for the Obuasi Government Hospital, Dr. Kwadwo Nyarko-Jecktey said the donation will boost the confidence of the front liners and other health professionals.

“It has come as a very big relief to all of us. One of the hitches is the fear health workers have to entertain when they had to attend to clients because the perception is that they can be infected.

"This donation will bring back the confidence they started this fight with. It is a motivation and morale booster to do more. It has come very timely especially for Obuasi”, he added.

The items distributed included infra-red thermometer guns, scrubs suits, head covers, all sizes of coveralls, heavy-duty aprons, disposable aprons, utility gloves examination gloves, sterile gloves, gynecological gloves, N95 facemasks, surgical facemasks, goggles, and other medical items.

Other disbursements

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has also received an amount of GH₵2.5 million to support the nationwide education and sensitization campaign on Covid-19 in collaboration with the Ghana Medical Association.

Additionally, an amount of GH₵7.2 million for the purchase of reagents through the Ghana Health Service and Veterinary Laboratories has been committed by the Fund.

A donation of a ventilator worth over GH₵200,000 was recently made to the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital as well as a commitment of GH₵800,000 to support the rehabilitation and equipping of the isolation centre in that facility.

The Trust Fund

The Trust Fund has since March received donations in cash and cheques totaling GH₵53,911,294.87 as of June 30, 2020.

This amount includes the cedi equivalent of US$606,300 dollars; half of which has been disbursed.

“You would all notice from the disbursements and commitments made as against the total donations received that, the Trust Fund has disbursed more than half of the contributions received so far and is still disbursing”, Mrs Afenyi -Dadzie revealed.

She, however, acknowledges that the situation requires all hands to be on deck to raise more funds to enable the Trust Fund continue to discharge its mandate.

"We are therefore calling on all Ghanaians to contribute and to also adhere to the safety protocols of regular washing of hands under running water, keeping adequate social distancing, wearing of nose masks, avoid handshaking as well as staying at home if there is no great necessity to go out."