Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed that Ghana is racing to secure Mpox vaccines as the country battles a growing outbreak that has claimed one life, infected 302 people, and placed 91 in isolation.
Speaking during the official handover of Mpox response kits from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Minister revealed that Ghana has formally requested vaccine support from the WHO and is pursuing alternative sources to ensure swift access.
“We have put in our request. What we need to do is to put in the request. And once we put in the request, WHO will then take you through the processes. And for your information, I think they have approved it and they are almost done for the delivery. That is what we are putting to.”
“But I can also assure you that we are not looking at one direction. Once we are going through WHO, we are also going through other means. So whichever comes first, bingo, we are in good business,” he stated.
Akandoh emphasized the urgency of vaccine access as the Health Ministry intensifies its response, amid a growing number of confirmed cases and extensive contact tracing efforts.
Over 15,000 people have been traced so far as part of the nationwide containment strategy.
Sounding a note of caution, the Minister also urged Ghanaians to exercise vigilance, particularly regarding their sexual health.
His comments follow confirmation of Ghana’s first Mpox-related death—a 45-year-old man in Greater Accra who declined hospital care and died at home due to complications.
Dr. Joseph Oliver-Commey, Mpox Case Management Lead, explained that the deceased had underlying health conditions, which worsened his illness.
The case marks a turning point in Ghana’s ongoing fight against the virus.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded 20 new cases, bringing total confirmed infections to 302 as of July 30. Just days earlier, 23 new infections were recorded, raising the tally to 257 before the latest update.
Despite the growing numbers, Akandoh remains optimistic that with swift vaccine access and public cooperation, Ghana can contain the outbreak.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
