Ho (V/R), April 16, – Health authorities in the Volta Region have intensified public education on Mpox and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, urging residents to adopt preventive behaviours and seek early medical care.
The call was made at the first quarter Volta Regional Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Sub-Committee meeting held in Ho on April 15.
Mad Florence Gyaase-Nketiah, Volta Regional Public Health Nurse, speaking on behalf of the Deputy Director of Public Health, described Mpox as a communicable disease that required sustained vigilance.
She said Ghana had recorded eight Mpox-related deaths since the recent outbreak was detected about three years ago, with two of the deaths occurring in the Volta Region.
According to her, suspected cases had been reported in 17 out of the 18 districts in the region, with confirmed cases recorded in six districts.
“Mpox is real, and we must all take it seriously. When you feel unwell, especially with symptoms such as fever or headache that do not respond to basic medication, report early to the nearest health facility,” she advised.
Mad Gyaase-Nketiah noted that early reporting improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes, while delays could result in complications and fatalities.
She also encouraged contacts of confirmed cases to accept vaccination, stressing that immunisation remained an effective tool in preventing disease spread.
On HPV vaccination, she said the vaccine was available free of charge for girls aged nine to 14 years under a mass campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
She urged parents and caregivers to ensure eligible girls received the vaccine through routine immunisation at health facilities.
“Prevention is always better than cure. We must protect our girls from cervical cancer by ensuring they receive the HPV vaccine,” she added.
Mad Gyaase-Nketiah further advised the public to prioritise regular health screening, including checks for blood sugar, breast cancer and cervical cancer, citing rising cases of non-communicable diseases among younger populations.
Mr Joseph Jerela, Volta Regional Surveillance Officer, presenting an update on Mpox, said the region had recorded 177 suspected cases and 23 confirmed cases, with a positivity rate of about 13 per cent.
He said most cases were mild and managed at home, with no new deaths recorded after April 4.
He identified Ho, Kpando and parts of the Tongu area as recording higher numbers of suspected and confirmed cases.
Mr Jerela said health authorities had activated emergency response systems, strengthened surveillance across districts and border points, and intensified public education through community outreach and media engagements.
He added that contact tracing, testing and vaccination of identified contacts were ongoing, alongside psychosocial support for affected persons and their families.
Mr Ignatius Aklikpe, Volta Regional Health Information Officer, expressed concern over low uptake of the HPV vaccine under the routine immunisation programme.
He said although the region achieved 81.6 per cent coverage during the 2025 mass campaign, vaccinating 93,871 out of a target of 115,000 girls, the transition to routine vaccination had recorded low turnout.
Mr Aklikpe said the region, with a monthly target of about 1,900 girls, was currently achieving less than 30 per cent coverage, raising concerns about meeting the 90 per cent annual target.
He called on community leaders, parents and stakeholders to intensify awareness and encourage eligible girls to access the vaccine.
Mad Patricia Mawufemor Baku, Regional Health Promotion Manager, led discussions on strategies to boost demand for the routine HPV vaccine.
Participants were urged to strengthen community engagement and lead by example in promoting preventive health practices.
GHBUSS
April 16, 2026
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