The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Ghana’s Western Region as the epicenter of the country’s Mpox outbreak, accounting for more than half of all reported cases nationwide.
This startling fact has intensified the urgency of public health interventions in the region, prompting swift action from both local and international health authorities.
The streets of Takoradi, the bustling capital of the Western Region, buzzed with anticipation as the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with WHO and other health partners, officially launched the national Mpox vaccination campaign. The launch marked a pivotal milestone in Ghana’s fight against the viral disease, offering new hope in the quest to curb its spread.
In the days leading up to the campaign, senior officials from WHO and GHS paid a courtesy visit to the Western Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Nelson. During the meeting, they provided updates on ongoing interventions and sought the minister’s continued support to ensure the smooth rollout of the vaccination campaign across the region.
Health authorities explained that multiple efforts, ranging from surveillance and contact tracing to community education, have already been underway for several months. However, the arrival of the Mpox vaccine signals a new and decisive phase in Ghana’s response strategy. The overarching goal: to break the chains of transmission and shield the most vulnerable segments of the population.
WHO representatives emphasized that the vaccination campaign would initially focus on the most severely affected districts within the Western Region. Plans are already in motion to expand the campaign nationwide in the coming months, aiming to bolster immunity and prevent further outbreaks.
The launch of the campaign stands as a testament to Ghana’s unwavering commitment to evidence-based public health action. It also highlights the importance of collaboration with global health partners in safeguarding the nation’s health and strengthening its preparedness for future epidemics.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
