Mpox outbreak: Increase vigilance at Points of Entry into Ghana – Ministry of Health urges stakeholders

admin August 17, 2024

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The Ministry of Health has activated an emergency response plan and heightened surveillance in reaction to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

This decision is aimed at safeguarding the country from a potential outbreak. It comes after a significant rise in Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African nations.

‘‘On August 14, 2024, the WHO Director-General identified the significant upsurge of Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and an increasing number of countries across Africa as constituting a PHEIC under the International Health Regulations (2005).

“The WHO has expressed concern about the potential for the disease to spread further across African nations and possibly beyond the continent,’’ parts of a press release issued by the Ministry of Health read.

The Ministry’s statement noted that as part of the emergency response, all health agencies and stakeholders have been instructed to increase vigilance at Points of Entry, including airports and border crossings.

Additionally, the Ghana Health Service has issued comprehensive guidelines on identifying Mpox symptoms and the steps necessary for early detection, reporting, and treatment.

Although Ghana is yet to report any case this year, it recorded 120 cases of Mpox in 2022 and only 8 cases in 2023.

Despite this, the Ministry remains on high alert, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent a resurgence of the disease.

The Ministry is also urging the general public to use the available healthcare facilities for any symptoms or concerns related to Mpox.

“Early detection, timely reporting, and prompt treatment are crucial to containing the disease and preventing further spread. The Ministry remains committed, prepared, and ready to lead the provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana. We urge all citizens to cooperate with health authorities and adhere to the guidelines provided to safeguard public health,” the statement added.