Health Authorities Confident Of Halting Mpox Spread In Western Region Public Urged To Maintain Vigilance During Festivities
The Western Region is on course to report zero Mpox cases in the coming year if current containment measures are sustained.
This optimistic projection follows a robust, multi-sectoral response to the outbreak despite early challenges.
The assurance was given by the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu,during the 4th Quarter Meeting of the Public Health Emergency Management Committee, held yesterday at the residence of the regional minister.
DR. DR. OKOH-OWUSU, addressing the committee, outlined the region’s strategy that has led to the positive outlook.
She revealed that every suspected case is rigorously tested before confirmation, underpinned by a robust surveillance system.
According to her primary mode of transmission is person-to-person spread is heavily influenced by human behaviour and interaction, including trans-border interactions, which places the region at risk.
Dr. Okoh-Owusu noted that massive support from the MMDAs, the Regional Minister, and the Regional Coordinating Director has been instrumental in their success.
Saying the use of ring vaccination, targeting individuals at risk, minors, with special focus on potential spreaders coupled with a reactive case management approach, forms part of their containment Touching on upcoming
Christmas festivities, Dr. Okoh-Owusu said authorities are intensifying risk communication and 5urged the public to avoid overcrowding, practice respiratory hygiene by coughing into tissue or elbows, and maintain regular handwashing.
The Metro Director of health, DR PIUS MENSAH,said the STMA has continually provided vehicular support for their risk communication activities, helping to curtail the spread in the metropolis
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, commended the regional health directorate for their effort containing the Mpox disease.
He, however urged them to focus attention and resources to contain other outbreaks like cholera, other communicable infections whiles maintaining vigilance against mpox to prevent resurgence.
Mr Nelson said the fight against Mpox is a collaborative one, hence the need for the health directorate to monitor the activities of their stakeholders in alignment with their goal.
Okoh-Owusu emphasized, acknowledging the critical roles of various institutions.
These include the Environmental Health Directorate, which continues to liaise with health authorities; the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and Information Services Department for public education via flash messages and flyers; the Ghana Education Service (GES) for promoting hygiene practices in schools; the Ghana Red Cross Society; and the Veterinary Services Directorate, which conducts animal monitoring to detect any zoonotic carriers.
“We are in a , and we are confident of not reporting any Mpox cases in the coming year,” Dr. Okoh-Owusu concluded, while cautioning that this success is contingent on continued public adherence to preventive measures and the sustained collaboration of all stakeholders.
Districts have been tasked to engage identifiable groups such as miners and communities directly, seeking stakeholder support for these educational activities.
End.
