The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health (MOH), has activated an emergency response plan to combat the spread of Monkeypox (Mpox) in the country following the declaration of the infections as an international health emergency of concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In a statement sighted by GhanaWeb, the ministry said that it has heightened surveillance for Mpox cases in Ghana and is putting in measures to ensure that it does not spread in the event of an outbreak in the country.
“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.
“Consequently, the Ministry of Health has issued a directive to all implementing agencies and stakeholders to heighten surveillance systems at all levels. This directive includes enhanced monitoring at Points of Entry (such as airports and border crossings) and increased vigilance within communities nationwide,” part of the statement which was issued on Friday, August 16, 2024, reads.
The ministry also noted that there has been no case of the infection in Ghana in 2024.
“While Ghana recorded 120 cases of Mpox in 2022 and 8 cases in 2023 respectively, there have been no reported cases in 2024. However, the Ministry remains vigilant and urges the public to take proactive measures to prevent a resurgence of the disease.”
It also urged Ghanaians to take all the necessary steps to protect themselves, adding that persons who have any symptoms of the infection should report to the nearest health facility for assistance.
Read the full statement below:
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