The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has deployed some 20,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine to the Western region as it launches a vaccination campaign against the viral disease that has been reported in various parts of the country.
The campaign, which targets high-risk communities in the disease hotspots, aims to curtail the spread of the infection and protect the population.
The exercise is scheduled to pan for 21 days, with a four-day aggressive strategy in most affected communities. It targets healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and residents in high-risk districts.
Officials of the GHS, during the launch in Takoradi, emphasised the vaccine’s safety and urged all stakeholders, including traditional leaders and opinion leaders, to support the vaccination effort.
The Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, during the launch noted that the Service has trained some 1,800 clinicians and health staff in surveillance, encouraging proper hand washing, avoiding close contact with affected persons, and handling their clothing.
“The Service has trained some 1,800 clinicians and health staff in surveillance for the exercise. Let’s continue to practice good hygiene. Report early to the health centre when you feel ill or have a rash,” he said.
As of September 20, 2025, Ghana had recorded 586 cases of the disease with two deaths.
The Western Region accounts for 71% of all confirmed Mpox cases nationwide with 13 districts affected, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The vaccination team has embarked on community engagement and vaccination, with the goal of breaking the transmission cycle and saving lives.
The vaccination campaign is part of a broader strategy to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and health workforce readiness in the region to complement efforts in containing spread.
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