Vodafone’s Healthline call centre provides guidance to Ghanaians on COVID-19

Vodafone Ghana has reopened its pioneering Healthline Medical Call Centre to empower Ghanaians with accurate COVID-19 information and refer suspected cases to the Rapid Response Team (RRT).

Healthline Call Centre, which has been a resounding success, was established in 2013 by the Vodafone Ghana Foundation to provide via phone, expert medical advice to Ghanaians, reducing the stress people usually go through to get medical service.

In support of the risk communication activities of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the project is expected to enhance government’s effectiveness in combating the spread of erroneous COVID-19 information and rumours, which has become a major concern for governments and medical workers worldwide.

Healthline Call Centre operates a daily schedule from 8am to 8pm, and is manned by 50 doctors from the Ghana Health Services (GHS) who have received COVID-19 training. Ghanaians can now dial 255 to access this service.

Commenting on the initiative Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone Ghana said:

‘’At Vodafone, we are proud to avail our mobile technology for this health initiative. We believe in developing pioneering and sustainable initiatives that solve pressing social issues and benefit the whole country. Our commitment is to utilize our innovative technology in mobilizing social change and improving people’s lives as we work together with government to fight the coronavirus.’’

Dr Joyce Aryee, Board Chair of the Vodafone Ghana Foundation also said in a statement:

‘’In line with our passion for health, the Vodafone Ghana Foundation is happy to be at the forefront educating and creating awareness about COVID-19, which poses a significant threat to the livelihood of Ghanaians. We are excited that this partnership will have great and sustainable impact on Ghana’s fight against the global pandemic’’

Dr Dacosta Aboagye, Chairman of the Risk Communication and Social Mobilisation Committee for COVID-19 at the Ghana Health Service, who led a training session for the 50 doctors said:

‘’The medical call centre is a timely intervention to support our risk communication efforts in fighting the virus. We are grateful to Vodafone for this remarkable initiative.’’

Healthline Call Centre played a phenomenal role in providing technical advice and guidance to frontline workers during the Ebola outbreak in Africa. Through a partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ghana Health Service (GHS), Healthline Call Centre became the only medical call centre across Africa facilitating advice and information sharing amongst health workers directly.