Accra, Ghana -- On Tuesday a 20-member health team from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presented 20,000 doses of measles vaccines, worth $130,000, to the Ministry of Health to show their support for quality health care delivery in Ghana.

The team is offering a two-week medical outreach service to the people of Nima, Mamobi and their surrounding areas. Sameer Aggad, Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Ghana who is administering the vaccines, said the offer of medical services was to signify the strong relationship between the two countries.

Aggad said his country was also processing another presentation of seven tons of medical supplies worth over 200,000 dollars to the Ministry for its health care delivery services. He also added that the medical team was offering general health care and other specialized treatment such as Ear, Nose and Throat and pediatrics.

Aggad promised Ghana his country's support in ensuring quality health care delivery through the contributions of outreach programs and provision of medical supplies and equipment. Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd), Minister of Health who received the vaccines, commended Saudi Arabia for abiding by the rules set up by the Ministry in donation of drugs and equipment.

"Previously, the Ministry was receiving expired drugs and obsolete equipment which became a nuisance so we decided to come out with a donation manual to guide benevolent organizations who want to donate such items to us and the Saudis have followed the instructions in the manual and we are grateful," said Quashigah.

The Health Minister in turn handed over the vaccines to Dr. Elias Sory, the Director-general of Ghana Health Service, who said the Service had for some time now recorded less than 60 cases of measles and had a target of recording zero cases through vaccination. He said the vaccines would be used during national immunization days throughout the country and commended the Saudi Arabians for the gesture.