The Ministry of Health (MoH), in partnership with development partners including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), launched the National Public Health Mandate and key guidelines on August 9, 2024, at the Ministry of Health Auditorium.

The event was chaired by Rev. Professor Ferdinand Ayeh-Kumi, the Chairman praised the Ministry of Health for the vision and appreciated the Technical Working Group for their sacrifices in the development of the documents.

The following documents were launched:

1. The National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027

2. Ghana Laboratory Quality Management Systems Checklist

3. Ghana Laboratory Riorisk Management- Training curriculum

4. National Biosafety and Biosecurity Guide for Laboratories

5. Guidelines for An Integrated National Specimen Referral and Transport

6. Development of a Tiered Level Laboratory System in Ghana

7. National Guidelines for One-Health Specimen Collection and Handling

8. Reference Laboratories for Numan Communicable Diseases in Ghana

9. Ghana Laboratory Safety Manual

The launch marked a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its public health systems, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides a comprehensive mandate for the coordination of public health efforts, considering human health, animal health, and environmental health.

The Minister of Health emphasized the critical role of laboratory networking in the One Health team, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The pandemic highlighted the importance of a strong laboratory network in disease diagnosis and surveillance," the Minister said. "We recognize the need for system strengthening, including the medical laboratory sector, which has been instrumental in our response to public health threats."

The Ministry also acknowledged the historical development of the medical laboratory sector, tracing its evolution from the colonial era to the present day. "We have come a long way, but we still have a lot to achieve," the Minister noted. "This mandate and guidelines will help us harmonize our efforts and ensure a coordinated approach to public health."

The Deputy Minister for Health representing the Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye has reaffirmed the government's dedication to strengthening the country's health system. Speaking at the launch of the National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Laboratory Quality Documents, the Minister emphasized the importance of a robust health system in achieving universal health coverage.

"The government is committed to investing in health system strengthening, and the launch of these documents is a testament to this commitment," the Minister stated. "We recognize that a strong health system is essential for delivering quality healthcare services, and we will continue to work towards achieving this goal."

The Minister highlighted the key areas of focus for health system strengthening, including:

• Improving infrastructure and equipment

• Enhancing human resources for health

• Strengthening public health laboratory services

• Promoting quality healthcare services

The Minister also acknowledged the role of development partners in supporting health system strengthening efforts. "We appreciate the support of our development partners and look forward to continued collaboration in building a resilient and sustainable health system."

The launched documents provide a framework for the coordination of public health efforts, including disease surveillance, outbreak response, and health promotion. They also emphasize the importance of collaboration between human health, animal health, and environmental health sectors.

Development partners, including the CDC, praised the Ministry's efforts to strengthen public health systems. "This is a critical step towards ensuring that Ghana is better prepared to respond to public health threats," said a CDC representative. "We are committed to supporting the Ministry in its efforts to strengthen its public health systems."

The launch was attended by stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. The event marked a significant step towards ensuring that Ghana's public health systems are robust, responsive, and equipped to address the country's health challenges.

The Director of Allied Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno has emphasized the need for coordination and support from development partners in implementing the newly launched National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Laboratory Quality Documents.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno highlighted the importance of collaboration and resources from development partners to ensure the successful implementation of these documents. "The effective implementation of these documents requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including development partners. We need their technical and financial support to build the capacity of our public health laboratories and ensure quality laboratory services."

The Director noted that the documents aim to strengthen the country's public health laboratory system, improve disease surveillance, and enhance epidemic response. "We cannot achieve these goals alone. We need the support of our development partners to provide the necessary resources, expertise, and technology to drive this process."

Director General of the Ghana Health Service mentioned that the launch of the documents marked a significant milestone in our journey towards strengthening our health system, particularly in the area of laboratory services.

The National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Laboratory Quality Documents launched today are critical tools in our efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana. The objectives of these documents are:

• To strengthen the public health laboratory network

• To improve disease surveillance and epidemic response

• To enhance the quality of laboratory services

• To ensure compliance with international standards

• To provide a guide to sample collection based on one health approached and sample referral systems improvement

• To provide a framework for the training of medical laboratory Science professionals in biosafety and biosecurity.

The Ghana Health Service played a pivotal role in the development of these documents. Our team worked tirelessly with stakeholders to ensure that the documents reflect our national priorities and align with international best practices.

We are proud of the work that has gone into developing these documents, and we are committed to supporting their implementation. We will work closely with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that these documents translate into improved healthcare outcomes for the people of Ghana.

The President of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani, has praised the Minister of Health for the launch of the National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Laboratory Quality Documents.

Dr. Rahamani commended the Minister for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the country's health system, particularly around laboratory services. "We are grateful for the Minister's vision and dedication to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana. The launch of these documents is a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving world-class laboratory services."

The Association's President assured the Minister of the profession's full support in implementing the documents. "We are committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure the successful implementation of these documents. Our members are ready to provide the necessary expertise and resources to drive this process."

Dr. Rahamani emphasized the importance of the documents in enhancing the quality of laboratory services, improving disease surveillance, and strengthening epidemic response. "These documents will help us to better serve the people of Ghana and contribute to the achievement of universal health coverage."

The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists has pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the National Public Health Laboratory Network Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Laboratory Quality Documents