The Ministry of Health has activated its emergency response plan to address the potential threat of Mpox, following the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

In a press release dated August 16, 2024, the Ministry announced heightened surveillance measures across the country, including enhanced monitoring at points of entry such as airports and border crossings, as well as increased vigilance within communities nationwide.

The move comes in response to the WHO's concerns about a significant upsurge of Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and an increasing number of countries across Africa.

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

While Ghana has not reported any cases of Mpox in 2024, the country recorded 120 cases in 2022 and 8 cases in 2023.

In light of this history and the current global situation, the Ghana Health Service released detailed technical advice on Mpox symptoms and procedures for early detection, reporting, and treatment.

The Ministry of Health urged the public to take proactive measures to prevent a resurgence of the disease.

The release also advised citizens to utilise available healthcare facilities provided by the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals for any symptoms or concerns related to Mpox.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to leading the provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana and its readiness to combat any potential outbreak of Mpox in the country.