The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency over the Mpox disease in Africa, prompting the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to enhance its nationwide surveillance efforts. As part of its response, the GHS plans to identify early cases and administer timely treatment to prevent a potential outbreak in Ghana.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, Director of Public Health at GHS, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about Mpox, urging Ghanaians to seek immediate medical attention if they notice any suspicious skin irritations. He also stressed the need for increased coordination to ensure that cases are accurately identified and managed.
Ghana’s last recorded case of Mpox was in April 2023. However, the rapid spread of a new Mpox strain across Africa, including in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Kenya, has raised concerns. The WHO reports over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths in the region, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance.
With the GHS preparing to activate its surveillance system, Dr. Bekoe warned against complacency, highlighting the potential severity of Mpox if left untreated. The nationwide effort aims to protect the population and prevent the disease from gaining a foothold in Ghana.