The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s public health efforts by donating essential supplies to combat the ongoing Mpox outbreak. The WHO Regional Director, Mohamed Yakub Janabi formally handed over the donation to the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh following a courtesy meeting at the Ministry.
Yakub Janabi expressed deep sorrow for the single Mpox-related fatality reported in Ghana, extending condolences to the family and the entire nation. He emphasized the importance of strengthening health systems to prevent further loss of life, commending Ghana’s impressive leadership in managing the outbreak, highlighting the activation of emergency coordination structures and the deployment of effective surveillance, laboratory, and case management strategies. These actions, he says demonstrate the country’s strong approach to epidemic control.
To bolster the nation’s response capacity, the WHO donated a significant consignment of supplies worth over USD 36,700. The donation includes Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to protect frontline health workers, 780 GeneXpert cartridges to enhance diagnostic capacity, and 9,000 risk communication posters and 40 pull-up banners to facilitate community engagement and support behavioral change.
These contributions are part of a broader support effort, which includes previous donations of laboratory diagnostics and direct funding for operational response activities. The Regional Director also announced that the Mpox Continental IMST has approved the allocation of 35,000 doses of Mpox vaccines for Ghana, which will be a crucial addition to the country’s response. He on behalf of the WHO reiterated the organisation’s commitment to a “whole-of-society” approach, working alongside the government and partners to ensure a comprehensive response.
In a show of appreciation, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh thanked the WHO for their prompt response to the Mpox outbreak. He highlighted the significance of the donated vaccines, calling them a crucial tool in the fight against the disease, and promised that the Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) would be put to effective use.
The minister concluded by cautioning Ghanaians to remain vigilant, advising them to follow all precautionary health measures and practice safe sex to prevent the spread of the disease, which is known to be transmitted through contact with infected persons.
OVERVIEW OF THE MPOX OUTBREAK IN GHANA
Ghana is experiencing a resurgence of Mpox, with cases first reported in May 2025. As of July 22, 2025, the country has reported 1,582 suspected cases and 257 confirmed cases, with a positivity rate of 15%.Presently, the confirmed cases stand at 302.
Confirmed cases have been reported in 14 of the country’s 16 regions, affecting 64 districts. The outbreak is genetically linked to Clade IIb, Lineage A.2.2, indicating localized transmission with potential regional and international connections.
The nation’s response is organized into five main areas; Coordination, Surveillance, Laboratory, Case Management & IPC, and Risk Communication & Community Engagement (RCCE). Ghana has activated national and subnational Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs), implemented specific case definitions, and designated three laboratories for testing.
The country has also updated home isolation guidelines, established isolation centers, and included specialists in care teams to manage cases, including those involving pregnant women.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
