Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana reacts to the first confirmed case of mpox in Ghana

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has taken note of the report by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) of the first confirmed case of mpox in Ghana, as well as about 230 suspected cases.

The mpox outbreak was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) from May 2022 to July 2023 and subsequently by the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security concern (PHECS) on 13th August 2024.

On 14th August 2024 WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) again. This was the second declaration by WHO in two years as more countries have become affected by the new clade 1b strain of monkey pox virus. Several outbreaks of different clades of mpox have also occurred in different countries, with different modes of transmission and different levels of risk.

As the professional association of pharmacists in Ghana, the PSGH is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in ensuring the health and safety of all Ghanaians and people living in Ghana, during this period. Government’s leadership in dealing with this emerging health challenge is of utmost importance and the PSGH is fully dedicated to playing its unique role to contribute to governments efforts in managing the emergence of mpox in Ghana.

About mpox

Mpox is a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans, but it can also spread from person to person through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a characteristic rash that develops into fluid-filled lesions.

Call on the International Community & Organizations

The PSGH adds its voice to that of the Africa CDC to call on the international community to provide the necessary support, resources and assistance to relevant continental bodies and affected countries including Ghana, with the same urgency and seriousness as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PSGH calls on government as a matter of urgency to ensure:

1. Strengthening Public Health Surveillance and Response:

Integration of community pharmacies and pharmacists across the various districts and regions of our country in its response to the mpox outbreak. Due to the presence of pharmacies in more communities, in more places and their proximity to more people, and the expertise of pharmacists, community pharmacists may be leveraged strategically to reach more people within a shorter period of time. We therefore urge the government to take advantage of this in surveillance activities, public awareness and education campaigns, and vaccinations regarding mpox.

2. Provision of Adequate Resources to Healthcare Facilities:

Allocation of necessary resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE) for pharmacists and other healthcare cadres who will be at the frontlines, as well as medications, and diagnostic tools, to healthcare facilities nationwide to ensure proper management and containment of the virus.

4. Vaccination Strategy and Stockpiling of Vaccines:

Early acquisition and distribution of mpox vaccines, prioritizing vaccination of frontline health workers including community pharmacists and vulnerable groups. Stockpiling vaccines for future use should also be considered.

Advice to the General Public:

1. Observe Personal Hygiene:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after touching animals or being in public spaces.

2.Avoid Close Contact:

Refrain from close contact with anyone showing symptoms of mpox, especially those with skin rashes. Avoid contact with wild animals and do not handle sick or dead animals.

3. Use Protective Gear:

If you must care for someone with mpox symptoms, wear protective clothing such as face masks, gloves, and cover any cuts or abrasions on your skin.

4.Monitor Your Health:

If you experience symptoms like fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash, seek immediate medical attention. It is crucial to isolate yourself to prevent the spread of the virus.

5. Avoid Self-Medication:

Do not attempt to self-medicate. Consult your nearest pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice if you suspect mpox.

Advice to Pharmacists:

Pharmacists are urged to remain vigilant and serve as key points of education and referral in their communities and health facilities.

1. Screening and Triage:

Encourage customers with symptoms consistent with mpox to self-isolate and seek medical attention. If a suspected case is identified, guide the individual to a health facility for testing and treatment while ensuring they are wearing protective masks.

2. Information Dissemination:

Display public health information on mpox in pharmacies and provide educational materials to patients. Offer counseling on infection prevention and proper hand hygiene.

3. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Pharmacists and staff should use PPE when handling any suspected cases or materials that may be contaminated.

4. Supervision and Training of Support Staff:

Pharmacists should ensure that all pharmaceutical support staff are properly trained, supervised and provided with the needed knowledge. All staff are to adhere to protocols in the performance of their duties to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases including mpox.

5. Reporting Suspected Cases:

Promptly report suspected cases of mpox to the nearest health facility or relevant health authorities for appropriate action.

The PSGH assures the public that it will fully collaborate with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other health stakeholders to ensure a swift response to mpox. Pharmacists across the country are ready to support the health system in preventing and controlling the spread of the virus.

Together, we can protect our communities and minimize the impact of mpox.