Anthrax Disease Outbreak: Minority urges Finance Ministry to fund FDA’s work.
Anthrax Disease Outbreak: Members of the Health Committee in Parliament who belong to the minority group have urged
the Ministry of Finance to provide funding to support the operations of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member of the Committee, addressed the Parliamentary Press Corps in Parliament and revealed that the FDA is facing financial difficulties as they have stated that they lack sufficient funds.
The urgent call from Mr Akandoh was prompted by the outbreak of anthrax in the Upper East region.
He emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that the FDA’s inability to conduct surveillance
The law maker emphasized that the FDA is crucial for ensuring public safety but their current inability to carry out their responsibilities is impeding the progress of the country.
Referring to Act 7 of the Public Health Act 851, Mr Akandoh highlighted the two primary mandates of the FDA, namely surveillance and General Manufacturing Processes (GMP).
He explained that the alleged lack of funds is hindering the Authority’s ability to assess the quality and standards of food, medical equipment, and drugs available in the market.
Anthrax Disease Outbreak
He expressed concern that the FDA has suspended its activities, leaving the public vulnerable to potential harm from unverified products.
The outbreak of anthrax in the region has led to a ban on the movement of ruminant animals such as goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and dogs in the eastern corridor of the Upper East region.
Dr Benjamin Kissi Sasu, the Risk Communications Manager at the Ghana Veterinary Service, assured that the situation is now under control.
He reported that a significant number of animals have been vaccinated in the Upper East region and that no signs of anthrax have been observed thus far.
On June 1, 2023, the Regional Health Directorate issued a press release stating that they received notification of two suspected cases of anthrax, resulting in one death in the Binduri district.
The cases were linked to the consumption of dead cattle. Four cows died in the affected community, and eleven suspected cases were identified, leading to contact tracing efforts in the affected area.
Summary
- Minority members on the Health Committee urge the Ministry of Finance to release funds for the FDA.
- Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh highlights the FDA’s lack of funds during an engagement with the Committee.
- The outbreak of anthrax in the Upper East region necessitates urgent funding for FDA activities.
- The FDA’s suspension of operations poses a risk to public safety and product authentication.
- The ban on ruminant animal movement in the Upper East region is a response to the anthrax outbreak.
- Dr Benjamin Kissi Sasu confirms that the anthrax situation in the Upper East region is under control.
- The Regional Health Directorate reports two suspected anthrax cases, including one death in the Binduri district.
Also read: Anthrax Outbreak: Authorities place restriction on Animal mobility.
