Ghana is well-prepared to contain any potential outbreak of Mpox, according to Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS). Speaking during an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Asiedu-Bekoe assured the public that the country’s health infrastructure and surveillance systems are ready to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an outbreak.
Asiedu-Bekoe highlighted the strength of Ghana’s surveillance systems as a critical advantage. “What is good for Ghana is the sensitivity of our surveillance system,” he explained. Surveillance is the first line of defense in identifying and responding to potential public health threats, and Ghana has put in place clear case definitions. These definitions guide healthcare workers in identifying potential cases of Mpox, ensuring that suspect cases can be quickly flagged and dealt with appropriately. The careful monitoring and reporting structures are designed to act as early warning systems, helping to prevent the spread of the disease.
A key aspect of Ghana’s preparedness is its ability to confirm Mpox cases. Asiedu-Bekoe pointed out that only about 30% of African countries have the capacity to confirm cases of Mpox through testing. Ghana, however, stands out in this regard, with two well-established laboratories capable of handling Mpox diagnoses: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory. “We have the capacity to confirm,” he said, stressing the significance of these facilities. The availability of these laboratories means that suspected cases can be swiftly tested and confirmed, enabling faster containment measures.
Asiedu-Bekoe also reassured the public about the readiness of treatment facilities, particularly for severe cases of Mpox. The experience gained from handling the COVID-19 pandemic has left Ghana with treatment centers and infrastructure capable of dealing with infectious diseases. These centers, originally set up during the height of the pandemic, are now ready to be utilized for Mpox cases, providing a safety net for patients with more severe symptoms. “We have treatment centres which I will say are legacies from COVID,” Asiedu-Bekoe explained, emphasizing the importance of these facilities in ensuring that even the most severe cases can be managed effectively.
While the country is well-prepared, Asiedu-Bekoe acknowledged that there is still more work to be done to enhance the overall response capabilities. One of the key areas of focus moving forward will be training healthcare workers. Training is essential to ensure that frontline workers are up-to-date on the latest protocols for identifying, reporting, and managing Mpox cases. This continuous education will help prevent the spread of the disease within healthcare settings and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
In addition to training, Asiedu-Bekoe highlighted the need to ensure an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. “We also need to make sure that the health workers have enough PPEs so that they don’t get themselves infected,” he said. Protecting healthcare workers is a top priority, as they are on the frontlines of any potential outbreak. Ensuring that they have the proper protective gear is crucial for maintaining a safe and effective healthcare response.
Public awareness is another critical component of the preparedness strategy. Asiedu-Bekoe emphasized the importance of raising awareness about Mpox among the general public. Educating people about the symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive measures is essential in ensuring that any outbreak is contained quickly. Public education campaigns can help people recognize the signs of Mpox and encourage them to seek medical attention early, reducing the risk of wider transmission.
Overall, Asiedu-Bekoe’s statements provide reassurance that Ghana has taken significant steps to prepare for any potential Mpox outbreak. The country’s strong surveillance systems, testing capabilities, and treatment facilities, combined with the experience gained from managing the COVID-19 pandemic, place Ghana in a solid position to handle the disease if it arises. Ongoing efforts to train healthcare workers, provide protective equipment, and raise public awareness will further strengthen the country’s preparedness.
Ghana’s readiness to manage Mpox is not just a matter of national importance but also a reflection of the country’s commitment to public health at a broader level. The measures in place ensure that Ghana remains vigilant and prepared to protect its citizens from the potential spread of Mpox, while continuing to build on the lessons learned from previous health crises.
