Let’s intensify education on Mpox
As of Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Ministry of Health had confirmed 85 cases of Monkey Pox (Mpox) in the country, with one patient on admission.
Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals, animals or contaminated materials.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
The regional breakdown is as follows: Western has 30 cases, Greater Accra has 22 cases, and Western North has 18 cases.
North East has four cases, all in the East Mamprusi District.
Volta has three cases in two municipalities, with Bono having two cases, both in the Sunyani Municipality
Ashanti has two cases in two districts, as well as three cases in the Eastern Region – Abuakwa North and New Juaben North (See Daily Graphic, Thursday, June 12, 2025).
According to the ministry, MPox is now prevalent in 10 of the country’s 16 regions, up from the previous eight.
The epicentres are the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality with 14 cases, the Accra Metropolis with 13 cases, and the Aowin Municipality in Western North, which has 10 cases.
The Daily Graphic is happy that the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have rolled out measures to prevent any deaths from the MPox outbreak.
The measures include robust contact tracing, effective treatment and public education, which have also led to the early detection of cases and containment of the disease since its outbreak on May 15 this year.
Furthermore, the ministry says there is heightened Mpox surveillance in all regions, with its regional and district public health emergency coordination structures duly activated in all affected regions, with the national oversight committee coordinating with the regional emergency coordination structures.
While these measures are commendable, the Daily Graphic would like to urge the Ministry of Health and the GHS to intensify their education and awareness campaigns on Mpox.
Education and awareness are critical components of a comprehensive response to public health crises such as Mpox, to enable people and communities respond effectively to reduce the impact of the disease.
Educating the public on safe practices, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, practising good hygiene and using protective equipment, could help prevent the spread of Mpox.
More importantly, we call on the Health Ministry and the GHS to continuously educate the public on symptoms of Mpox so that people can recognise the viral disease and seek medical attention early to mitigate the risk of transmission and improve treatment outcomes.
Also, awareness campaigns could help reduce risky sexual behaviours or sharing of contaminated personal items that could increase the transmission of Mpox.
It is worth noting that the Health Ministry has intensified Mpox surveillance in all regions.
That would help a great deal in breaking the chain of transmission and preventing further spread.
Surveillance data could also inform public health policy for evidence-based decision-making and targeted interventions.
Another important concern is for the health authorities to ensure that healthcare facilities have adequate infection control measures in place, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper disinfection procedures.
As the country grapples with the increasing cases of Mpox, it is essential to take a collective stance against this viral disease that requires a comprehensive response that addresses public health and the social and economic needs of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
