Ghana activates emergency response to combat Mpox

Ghana has set up an emergency response plan and increased surveillance to battle the Mpox epidemic.

The decision comes in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent announcement that Mpox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, said it has launched its emergency response plan to address the disease's possible threat in Ghana.

The move is consistent with the WHO's resolve to boost worldwide efforts to control the spread of Mpox, particularly in Africa.

On August 14, 2024, WHO announced that has been a significant spike in Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a rising number of cases in some  African countries.

As a result, Ghana's Ministry of Health has issued a mandate to all implementing agencies and stakeholders to strengthen surveillance systems across all levels.

This directive calls for intensified monitoring at ports of entry (such as airports and border crossings) as well as increased vigilance in communities around the country.

The Ghana Health Service has also provided specific technical advice on Mpox symptoms and the actions required for early discovery, reporting, and treatment.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health on Friday evening [August 16, 2024], whereas Ghana registered 120 cases of Mpox in 2022 and 8 cases in 2023, there have been no reported cases in 2024.

However, the Ministry remains alert and cautions the people to take proactive steps to prevent an outbreak of the disease.

The Ministry recommends the public to seek healthcare from the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals if they experience symptoms or concerns linked to Mpox, given the WHO's declaration and probable danger of spreading.

Source: Lead News Online