Accra: Research scientists meet over emerging viral diseases

Research scientists from Ghana, Togo and Benin have met in Accra to discuss ways of pre-empting emerging viral diseases like Zika, Lassa and Ebola.  

The meeting comes at a time when Lassa Fever has been recorded in Togo and Burkina Faso, killing a number of people. 

The group of scientists will form a continental group when others come on board to deal with emerging viral diseases.  

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Allied Health Science in Ho, Prof. Fred Binka acknowledged the importance of such scientific experts at the forefront in dealing with emerging diseases on the continent before seeking help from international bodies.  

He said the emergence of Lassa Fever in neighbouring countries should be a concern to Ghana and as a result, scientists in Ghana are learning from countries with such experience. 

Lassa Fever, Prof. Binka said presents the same symptoms like Ebola and the fatality rate is high.  

The Coordinator of Society for Aids in Africa, Luc Bodea said the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa exposed the continent's unpreparedness in dealing with such health issues and as a result brought the scientists together to pre-empt Zika and Lassa Fever.

GBC