Ghana activates emergency response plan and heightens surveillance to combat Mpox disease

Ghana has activated an emergency response plan and heightened surveillance to combat Mpox disease.

The move is in response to the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that Mpox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service says it has activated its emergency response plan to address the potential threat of the disease within Ghana.

The move aligns with the WHO’s determination to intensify global efforts in combating the spread of Mpox, particularly in Africa.

On August 14, 2024, WHO 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).

Nigeria, Sweden, Pakistan

The outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On Friday Sweden in Europe and Pakistan in South East Asia confirmed recording cases.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday said Nigeria had recorded a total of 39 confirmed cases of mpox and zero deaths across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory from the beginning of 2024.

There is a serious and growing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that has now expanded outside the country.

A new viral strain, which first emerged in September 2023, has for the first time been detected outside DRC.

So far, about 2,863 confirmed mpox cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries have been reported in 2024 alone.

The WHO has expressed concern about the potential for the disease to spread further across African nations and possibly beyond the continent.

Ghana surveillance

Consequently, the Ministry of Health in Ghana 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.

The Ghana Health Service has also released a detailed technical advice on the symptoms of Mpox and the necessary steps for early detection, reporting, and treatment.

The Ministry of Health in a statement issued Friday evening [August 16, 2024] said while Ghana recorded 120 cases of Mpox in 2022 and 8 cases in 2023 respectively, there has 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.

In light of the WHO’s declaration and the potential risk of Mpox spreading, the Ministry advises the general public to utilize the available healthcare facilities provided by the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals for any symptoms or concerns related to Mpox.

Source: myjoyonline