05/10/2025
WESTERN REGIONAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE PR UNIT - NEW TAKORADI HEALTH CENTRE - 4TH OCTOBER 2025
WESTERN REGION LAUNCHES MPOX VACCINATION IN GHANA
The Western Region of Ghana marked a significant milestone today as vaccination against Mpox commenced, with the Ghana Health Service officially launching the phased Mpox vaccination campaign at the New Takoradi Health Centre. The region has received its 20,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine, targeting key populations including health workers directly involved with Mpox cases, close contacts of confirmed cases, and other identified vulnerable groups.
Welcoming dignitaries and guests, Regional Director of Health Service, Dr. Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and partners for their support in controlling the Mpox outbreak in the region. Dr.Dr. Okoh-Owusu stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement in active surveillance, case management, and risk communication, alongside vaccination efforts.
The launch, officiated by Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea was attended by the World Health Orga, traditional leaders, other health partners, health managers, district directors, opinion leaders, media representatives, health workers, and community members. Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health, along with several health workers and attendees, was among the first to receive the vaccine.
Since recording its first case in May 2025, the Western Region has reported the highest number of cases in Ghana, with 299 confirmed cases and 2 deaths. The vaccination campaign is set to run for 14 to 21 days nationwide. The Western Region has, however, commenced its vaccination drive in earnest starting Saturday, 4th October at the Metropolis, and all identified hot spots
The Acting Director-General assured the public of the vaccine's safety and urged collective efforts to overcome the outbreak, stating, "through our collective efforts, we shall beat this too."
Notable attendees included Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea (Ag. DG, GHS), Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe (Dir. Public Health), Dr. Frank Lule (WHO Country Office Representative), Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu (Regional Director, Western Region), and various health officials and partners. The initiative reflects the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, WHO, CDC, UNICEF, PATH, JSI, Red Cross Society, CSOs, Ghana Education Service, media, community leaders, volunteers, and health workers.