Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health, has received the joint mission team from the World Health Organization to share updates on Ghanaโs Mpox response, focusing on key areas such as monitoring and tracking Mpox cases to identify trends and patterns.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can affect humans and animals. The situation in Ghana is worrying, with the Western Region accounting for 71 percent of the countryโs confirmed cases.
The Ghana Health Service and Western Regional Health Directorate are working to contain the outbreak through enhanced surveillance, public sensitization, and vaccination plans among other measures. These efforts align with President John Dramani Mahamaโs commitment to improving healthcare in the country. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and response capabilities.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO have developed a joint Continental Response Plan to guide these efforts. The plan focuses on controlling outbreaks, expanding vaccination coverage, and transitioning to sustainable response efforts.
Hon. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between national and international health bodies. She reiterated Ghanaโs commitment to working closely with WHO and Africa CDC to protect public health and prevent further spread of the disease.
The WHO mission team is in Ghana to support the Ministry of Health in managing the Mpox outbreak, reviewing response measures, and helping strengthen systems to protect communities across the country.
By Julius Blay JABS
