Health officials from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have agreed on a joint action plan to contain the Mpox epidemic and other infectious diseases following a regional meeting in the Western Region.
The Regional Cross-Border Meeting on the Mpox Epidemic, organised by the West African Health Organization (WAHO), took place from 19th to 21st February 2025.
It brought together health professionals, immigration and customs officers, and local government representatives from both countries to discuss measures for preventing and managing cross-border disease outbreaks.
Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, a representative underscored the importance of cooperation in tackling public health threats.
Advertisement
He noted that the discussions were in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR), which guide countries in detecting and responding to disease outbreaks.
Ghana’s Ministry of Health reaffirmed its support for regional health security, stressing that effective disease control depends on close collaboration with neighbouring countries.
Officials also acknowledged WAHO’s role in convening the meeting and commended all participants for their contributions.
Over the three-day session, participants reviewed Mpox infection trends, shared experiences on outbreak management, and developed a joint strategy to improve surveillance and response efforts.
Discussions also covered other epidemic-prone diseases, with a focus on sustaining long-term partnerships to protect public health.
With the increasing movement of people and goods between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, health authorities stressed the need for stronger cross-border coordination to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
