Hot SourceBy Patrick Biddah
The World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with Ghana’s Ministry of Health to strengthen the country’s fight against the ongoing Mpox outbreak, following the donation of critical medical supplies and a pledge of continued support.
In a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health, WHO Regional Director, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, formally handed over a consignment of supplies worth over USD 36,700 to the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The donation includes Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for frontline health workers, 780 GeneXpert cartridges to enhance testing, and over 9,000 risk communication materials including posters and pull-up banners aimed at boosting community awareness and behavior change.
Dr. Janabi extended condolences to the family of the single Mpox-related fatality reported in Ghana and praised the country’s emergency response mechanisms.
He highlighted Ghana’s strong epidemic control strategies, including the activation of emergency coordination systems, effective surveillance, and the deployment of case management and laboratory response teams.
“Ghana’s leadership in this outbreak response has been impressive,” he said. “It’s a demonstration of how coordinated action and preparedness can mitigate impact, he added.
Dr. Janabi also announced that the Mpox Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) has approved the allocation of 35,000 doses of Mpox vaccines to Ghana. These vaccines are expected to be a key addition to the national response efforts.
Receiving the donation, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh expressed appreciation for WHO’s timely support.
He described the vaccines as “a crucial tool” in controlling the disease and assured that the PPEs and other materials would be used effectively.
“We are grateful for the continued collaboration. These supplies will help protect health workers and communities while we work to contain the outbreak,” the minister said.
He urged the public to remain cautious and follow health protocols, including avoiding close contact with infected individuals and practicing safe sex , one of the known transmission pathways of the virus.
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