The Ghana Health Service (GHS) will soon enforce mandatory Mpox screenings for all travelers entering the country as part of enhanced monitoring due to recent outbreaks in 15 African nations.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, Director of Public Health at GHS, revealed this development during a Thursday interview, urging Ghanaians to remain vigilant.
The specifics of whether the screening will incur a fee were not disclosed.
Travelers will be screened at various entry points, including borders, ports, and airports, to ensure they are not carrying Mpox. Updated guidelines will be provided to healthcare facilities to manage potential cases effectively.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a global health emergency following a rise to 2,030 cases and 13 deaths this year, up from 1,145 cases and seven deaths in 2023. New cases have also been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda since mid-July 2024.
Although Mpox is infrequent, it can be severe.
In response, Dr. Bekoe announced that GHS will launch awareness campaigns and staff training to enhance early detection. The GHS plans to use visual materials for public education and will rely on the reference laboratory and Noguchi Memorial Institute for testing and confirmation.
