By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA
Tema, Jan. 05, GNA – Ms Linda Adjapong, Tema Metro Disease Control Officer, has said that the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate has intensified efforts to contain Mpox through a coordinated emergency response framework.
That will enhance disease surveillance,and sustained public sensitisation.
Ms Adjapong said there was strong commitment at the highest levels of the health system to protect public health and respond to any Mpox-related emergency, leading to detailed planning and the activation of specialised response structures.
She told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that a multi-sectoral response committee had been established and developed a comprehensive action plan to prevent the spread of the disease.
She added that the committee was supported by a dedicated outbreak investigation team, which was actively reviewing alerts and suspected cases across communities within the metropolis.
According to her, the team follows up on reported alerts, conducts field investigations, collects samples for laboratory testing, and traced contacts of suspected and confirmed cases to ensure early detection and prompt response.
She explained that the Tema General Hospital laboratory had been adequately equipped to conduct preliminary testing of mpox samples, and the development allowed for faster identification of suspected cases, reduced delays associated with transporting samples to distant facilities, and improved the overall efficiency of the response system.
Beyond surveillance and laboratory testing, Ms Adjapong said extensive public education campaigns had been rolled out across the metropolis, targeting communities, institutions, and high-risk groups to improve understanding of Mpox, its symptoms, modes of transmission, and prevention measures.
She, however, identified public perception as a major challenge, noting that many residents did not currently regard Mpox as a serious illness, a situation she said could lead to delayed reporting and poor adherence to preventive measures.
She therefore appealed to residents to report suspected cases promptly and cooperate fully with health officials.
Ms Adjapong reaffirmed the directorate’s readiness to contain and eliminate Mpox in the metropolis and called on residents to support the ongoing interventions.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba