By: Gifty Adjei
The National Vaccine Institute has successfully hosted a research and development seminar, bringing together scientists from the National Taskforce on Animal and Human Surveillance for Influenza, along with officials from the National Influenza Center. The gathering was part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts to bolster research and combat avian influenza in Ghana.
The seminar saw key participants from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Veterinary Service, the Noguchi Memorial Institute, and the National Influenza Center.
The taskforce, which conducts an annual surveillance project, focuses on monitoring avian influenza within animals and poultry, particularly in military barracks and live bird markets across the country.
Lead Scientist, Dr. Daniel Mingle, who heads the National Taskforce on Animal and Human Surveillance, highlighted the importance of keeping a close watch on avian influenza in animals to prevent its spread to humans. He emphasized that such surveillance activities are critical to ensuring early detection and preventing potential outbreaks.
“Regular surveillance is essential to catching potential outbreaks early. This is how we stop the disease from spreading to humans.”
Avian influenza, primarily a bird disease, can pose serious health risks to humans if the virus crosses the species barrier.
Professor Gordon Awandare, a leading expert on disease transmission, and the founding Director of West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) discussed the significance of containing such diseases before they reach the human population. He stressed that vigilance is key in avoiding a pandemic.
“The threat of avian influenza is real, and once it crosses into humans, it can lead to severe consequences. Vigilance is the key to avoiding the next pandemic.”
The CEO of the National Vaccine Institute noted that the Institute is committed to supporting scientific research that aims to develop vaccine candidates to protect the human population from avian influenza. He pointed out that partnerships between stakeholders are crucial to advancing research and developing effective vaccines in Ghana.
“Collaboration among stakeholders is critical in advancing vaccine research and ensuring Ghana’s preparedness against avian influenza.”
The seminar provided a crucial platform for key stakeholders in science and public health to discuss innovative strategies to enhance Ghana’s preparedness against avian influenza. These efforts ensure the protection of both animal and human populations in the country.
