- Public Health Emergency Response Team reactivated in Western Region
- 187 suspected Mpox cases, 43 confirmed, across 9 districts
- Minister calls for chiefs' support to push health facility upgrades
The Western Regional Health Directorate has reactivated its Public Health Emergency Response Team in response to a growing outbreak of Mpox and rising concerns over maternal mortality. From January to May 2025, the region recorded 25 maternal deaths—an increase over the same period in 2024.
During the Western Region Development Retreat, Chief Pharmacist of the Regional Health Directorate, Kwadwo Okyere Apenteng, revealed that the region has reported 187 suspected and 43 confirmed Mpox cases, accounting for 71% of the 107 cases nationwide. Tarkwa Nsuaem recorded the highest number, with nine out of the region’s 14 districts reporting infections.
“To contain the outbreak, we’ve reactivated our Public Health Emergency Response Team to oversee daily operations, case management, and contact tracing,” Apenteng stated. “So far, we’ve identified 187 cases and are monitoring 246 contacts for possible infection.”
On maternal health, Apenteng expressed alarm over the recent spike in maternal deaths, attributing the rise to delays in antenatal care, referral challenges, and poor road infrastructure.
“From January to May alone, we’ve recorded 25 maternal deaths, which is a worrying increase from last year. Key issues include late arrival at hospitals, slow referrals from rural areas, and difficult access due to bad roads,” he explained.
In response, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson urged the Regional House of Chiefs to advocate for critical improvements in healthcare infrastructure, with a specific call to expedite the stalled renovations at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
“The ongoing renovation works at Effia Nkwanta have come to a halt. We must collectively advocate for their speedy completion to meet the region’s pressing healthcare needs,” the Minister emphasized.
