Download JOINT PRESS RELEASE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF GHANA AND

JOINT PRESS RELEASE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF GHANA AND THE EMBASSY OF THE
KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
Ghana and the Netherlands launch project to accelerate tuberculosis detection
The Government of Ghana and government of the Netherlands have agreed to intensify their
cooperation in tuberculosis detection. This was agreed on May 19 between the Minister of
Health, Hon. Alex Segbefia, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E.
Hans Docter.
Hon. Minister Segbefia signed an agreement with Mr. Marcel Lantinga, Director of the Dutch
company Oldelft Benelux, for the commencement of the project “Accelerating Tuberculosis
Case Detection in Ghana”. The projects aims to boost the currently low tuberculosis (TB)
detection rate in Ghana, where 63.000 people suffer from TB annually. According to the 2013
national TB prevalence survey, 264 out of every 100.000 Ghanaians are affected by this
disease.
However, when timely diagnosed and promptly treated the disease can be cured and
controlled. Hon. Minister Segbefia: “This cooperation with the Netherlands will enable Ghana
to increase its detection rate to 85%, and as such will mean a major improvement to the
health of many Ghanaians.”
The Embassy of the Kingdom in the Netherlands in Accra has been active in the health care
sector in Ghana for years. It is currently supporting activities in the field of sexual and
reproductive health and rights and is actively promoting an innovative and private sectordriven approach to the sector. H.E. Hans Docter: “This project serves as an example of
innovative investments in e-health.”
Mr. Guido Geerts, CEO of Delft Imaging Systems, was also present at the event at the
Ministry of Health. Delft Imaging Systems will supply a total of 52 digital imaging systems,
consisting of a combination of fixed units and mobile clinics, as well as accompanying ITservices.
The total project cost are 21.6 million euros of which 7.56 million euros is covered by an
ORIO (Facility for Infrastructure Development) grant from the government of the
Netherlands. ORIO provides grants for public infrastructure development in developing
countries in order to contribute to human development as well as private sector
development.
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