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The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that Ghana has recorded eight deaths and more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Mpox since a renewed outbreak began in May 2025.
The minister made the disclosure in Parliament while responding to a question from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, regarding the rising number of infections reported across more than 120 districts in the country.
According to Mr. Akandoh, the Ministry of Health, working through the Ghana Health Service and other partners, has activated a coordinated multi-sectoral response aimed at limiting transmission and protecting public health.
He explained that updates as of March 3, 2026, show that the country has recorded 1,038 confirmed cases and eight deaths, mostly among individuals with underlying health conditions. He added that only one patient is currently on admission and there are no critical cases.
The minister noted that 124 districts across all regions—representing 47.51 percent of the country—have reported confirmed infections, with the Greater Accra Region and Western Region recording the highest numbers.
Mr. Akandoh said the national response includes stronger coordination through emergency operations, intensified surveillance and contact tracing, with close monitoring of contacts for 21 days.
Laboratory testing, he explained, continues at key institutions including the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research.
He also highlighted strengthened case management, infection prevention measures, and expanded public education through collaboration with community leaders, civil society organisations and the media.
On vaccination efforts, the minister said Ghana received 33,600 Mpox vaccine doses from the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization. So far, 31,231 people across 12 districts in the Ashanti Region, Greater Accra Region and Western Region have been vaccinated, representing more than 95 percent of the target population.
Mr. Akandoh emphasised that the government is covering all medical expenses related to the treatment of Mpox patients during the outbreak.
He added that although a few sporadic cases have been recorded recently, the overall trend indicates a notable decline in infections following the introduction of vaccination.
The Health Minister also called on Members of Parliament to support ongoing efforts by helping disseminate accurate information to the public as the government continues to strengthen the country’s health security systems.
Source: joynews
