Updates from our country manager Emmanuel Kumah
As part of our emergency response in Ghana:
- 352 community health workers were trained
- 878 hygiene kits were distributed
- 52,694 individuals received health education
- 25,000 health education materials were distributed
- 100 hand washing vessels were distributed
May 25, 2020
Our total impact to date as of May 25th, 2020
- 878 hygiene kits have been distributed to vulnerable and marginalized families.
- 100 hand washing vessels have been distributed to strategic locations.
- 52,694 individuals have been reached through health education.
- 352 community health workers have been trained on COVID-19 detection and prevention measures.
May 15, 2020
Updates from the week ending May 15th, 2020
- 270 health personnel have been trained on COVID-19 awareness and prevention.
- 200 hygiene kits have been distributed.
- 2,152 individuals have received health education regarding COVID-19.
- 5,000 health education brochures were distributed, bringing the total up to 25,000.
The swiftness with which Operation Eyesight responded to help contain COVID – 19 in the central region of Ghana is unbelievable. As an eye health organization and not an emergency relief one, I initially thought it would take a while to change direction, but that was not the case. Right away, the Operation Eyesight team began supporting the Ghanaian Government efforts in achieving health for all. I am indeed proud to be a staff member of Operation Eyesight.
-Emmanuel Kumah
May 8, 2020
Updates from the week ending May 8th, 2020
- 112 health personnel have been trained on COVID-19 awareness and prevention.
- 70 community leaders have been trained on COVID-19 awareness and prevention.
May 1, 2020
Updates from the week ending May 1st, 2020
- 20,000 information, education and communication materials have been printed and are ready for distribution.
- 22 district health officers have been trained on COVID-19 awareness and prevention measures.
- Hand washing units have been procured for district health facilities.
April 24, 2020
Updates from the week ending April 24th, 2020
- We printed 15,000 information, education and communication materials. The reaming 5,000 will be completed next week.
- We received the first set of veronica buckets for hand washing units
- Training for district health promotion officers on COVID-19 has been scheduled for next week
April 17, 2020
Updates from the week ending April 17th, 2020
- We conducted an orientation session for all key stakeholders involved.
- Although printing is not considered an essential service, we have reached an agreement with Ghana Health Services to co-brand information, education and communication materials. They have the capabilities to print these materials in-house, and we will then be able to distribute them to 20 districts in the Central Region.
- We have started procuring materials for hand washing units and safety materials for our community health workers.
April 10, 2020
Major cities in Ghana are under a lockdown until the end of April. Enhanced social distancing measures are being put in place in other areas. All borders (land, sea and air) will remain closed during the lockdown period.
In Ghana, we are partnering with 20 health districts in the Central Region to create awareness about COVID-19. This training will cover topics such as detection of symptoms, the importance and proper techniques for hand washing, and what to do if you or a family member starts displaying signs of COVID-19.
We aim to provide 200 health facilities in the Central Region with hand sanitizer, facial masks, veronica buckets, soap and tissue paper. A veronica bucket is hand washing station made up of a barrel with a tap fixed at the bottom and a bowl at the bottom to collect wastewater. This serves as a simple way to encourage proper hand washing using flowing water.
We are partnering with the Ghana Health Service to train up to 420 frontline workers to conduct COVID-19 related health awareness events for their communities.
We intend to share 20,000 health education and information packages, which would result in 50,000 individuals being educated about COVID-19 by mid-May.
Activities related to avoidable blindness:
Community health nurses are continuing to offer static eye health services, including consultations, minor treatments and health education services. Ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and ophthalmologists at the district hospitals continue to offer static eye health services such as consultations, treatment (including emergency surgery), and provision of prescription eyeglasses.
Learn more about our response to COVID-19 and how you can help here.
