By Adu Koranteng , Korantengadu@gmail.com
Medical experts and health analysts are raising red flags over a silent but growing outbreak of MPox (formerly known as monkeypox) across Ghana.
According to reports from healthcare workers and analysts monitoring disease trends, the virus is spreading stealthily among communities with limited public awareness or effective containment measures.
Several medical professionals have expressed deep concern over the apparent underreporting and lack of coordinated national response to the outbreak. “We are seeing scattered cases in both urban and rural areas, and there is very little public education or targeted intervention happening,” said a public health researcher at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital who requested anonymity.
Experts warn that if immediate action is not taken, Ghana could face a national health emergency. They are calling on the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to scale up surveillance, ramp up public awareness campaigns, and expedite the procurement and administration of MPox vaccines, especially to high-risk populations.
“The MPox virus is not just a skin disease—it can lead to serious complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. We cannot afford to be reactive,” said Dr. Cynthia Amoako, a virologist and infectious disease specialist. “We need early detection, isolation, and vaccination to break the chain of transmission.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared MPox a global health emergency in 2022, but in recent years, complacency has crept in, especially in countries with weak health systems. Ghana recorded several cases in 2022 and 2023, but limited follow-up action may have allowed the virus to resurface and spread unchecked.
Analysts are urging the government not to wait for the situation to escalate before acting. They emphasize that transparency, community engagement, and decisive leadership are critical in preventing another public health crisis.
As of now, the Ghana Health Service has not issued an official statement on any new outbreak, fueling speculation about possible underreporting. The public is being advised to practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms, and report suspected cases promptly to health authorities.
Health professionals warn that time is of the essence. “We’ve been through COVID-19—we know what delayed responses can cost us,” one doctor noted. “Let’s not repeat history.”
