The Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that Ghana has successfully contained the recent outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox), revealing that the country has not recorded a single new case of the disease in more than a month.
The Minister also disclosed that vaccines have been secured to strengthen the country’s preparedness and sustain efforts to prevent any resurgence of the disease.
Hon. Akandoh made the announcement during an appearance before Parliament’s Assurances Committee at a public hearing to provide updates on assurances made by the Ministry of Health. He told the Committee that the absence of new infections over the past month demonstrates the effectiveness of the government’s public health interventions, surveillance systems and rapid response measures implemented following the outbreak.
To consolidate the gains made, the Minister said the government has secured vaccines as part of its preparedness strategy to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the country remains equipped to respond swiftly should new cases emerge.
The announcement is expected to grant the public some sort of assurance after months of heightened vigilance by health authorities, who intensified surveillance, contact tracing, public education and case management to curb the spread of the viral disease.
Meanwhile, Hon. Akandoh also updated the Committee on the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across the country.
Responding to concerns regarding the state of healthcare delivery at Nsawora in the Western North Region, the Minister disclosed that funding has been secured for the construction of a new Nsawora Health Centre. He said the project is intended to replace the existing facility, whose deteriorating condition has raised concerns among residents and local authorities over its ability to provide quality healthcare services.
According to the Minister, the construction of the new health centre forms part of the government’s broader agenda to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
This assurance is a relief to residents of Nsawora and surrounding communities who have long appealed for improved health infrastructure to meet their growing healthcare needs.
As the Assurances Committee of Parliament continues to monitor the implementation of commitments made by ministries, departments and agencies to ensure promises made to Parliament are fulfilled within the stipulated timelines, securing vaccines for the MPOX and the construction of health facilities might just be a step in the right direction.
By: Joyce Owusu
Howedey.com reporter
