The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced a series of immediate public health measures following the confirmation of the first Mpox case in Ghana for 2024.
This comes a month after the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, and La Côte d’Ivoire, have recorded Mpox cases this year. While Ghana saw 120 cases in 2022 and eight in 2023, this is the first case of the year for the country.
In response, GHS has taken immediate action by issuing alerts to all regions and teaching hospitals. Surveillance for Mpox has been heightened nationwide, and healthcare staff have been sensitized on detection and management.
The mobilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers has also been initiated, and strict infection prevention and control measures, including barrier nursing, have been enforced.
Contact tracing and management have started, and the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been activated.
In addition to these measures, the GHS has outlined further steps, which include the activation of Public Health Emergency Management Committees at the national, regional, and district levels.
Continuous sensitization of health staff on Mpox prevention, case management, and precautionary measures will be undertaken.
Detailed outbreak investigations and expanded contact tracing efforts will follow, along with enhanced surveillance, including points of entry and screenings.
Public education campaigns will also be intensified to raise awareness.
The GHS assures the public that Ghana’s healthcare system is equipped to handle the outbreak. Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any suspected symptoms of Mpox to the nearest health facility for appropriate investigation and care.