Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe is the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service
The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, has expressed optimism that the country will soon record a decline in Mpox infections, despite a steady rise in recent weeks.
Speaking in an interview with TV3 on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe explained that the service is intensifying its response efforts by heightening public awareness and improving case detection across the regions.
He emphasised that awareness creation remains critical in helping people understand the symptoms and seek early treatment.
According to him, the vaccines that will be received in the coming weeks remain limited, compelling the GHS to adopt a targeted strategy.
Ghana’s Mpox cases rise to 346 following the confirmation of 18 new cases
“The vaccines are not a lot, so, we will target the hotspots, especially the Western Region. This is to maximise impact by focusing on high-risk areas,” he stated.
He further explained that the approach is guided by the principle of cutting transmission at the source.
“The idea is that when you are able to break the source of infection, then it helps break transmission, and the powerhouse is cut off to minimise the rate of infection across the country,” Dr Asiedu-Bekoe indicated.
He, however, raised concerns about challenges confronting the national response.
He cited stigma associated with the disease and the lack of improved public awareness as key barriers that continue to hinder the effectiveness of interventions.
He stressed that stigma often discourages individuals from seeking medical help early, thereby fueling further transmission.
The GHS, he said, is working with stakeholders, including the media, to encourage open discussions and reduce misinformation about Mpox.
As of September 10, 2025, Ghana had recorded 494 confirmed cases of Mpox.
The GHS says it is hopeful that with improved awareness, targeted vaccination, and strengthened community surveillance, the outbreak can be brought under control in the coming weeks.
Ghana records 20 new Mpox cases, total rises to 302
MRA/AE
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