Vigilance Urged as MPox Declines, Health Chief Praises Community Efforts in Western Region

Regional Health Director, Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu, confirmed the positive development but stressed that sustained community vigilance remains the bedrock of continued success. "The situation is improving, but we must not let our guard down," she advised, urging residents to stay proactive about their health and adhere to preventative measures.

Dr. Okoh-Owusu’s call for ongoing public awareness came during a familiarization tour of health facilities, where she also took time to celebrate the relentless efforts of local health workers, calling them "pivotal" to the region's effective response.

Her visit to the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate became a spotlight on a community-wide success story. Highlighting the critical role of public cooperation, Dr. Okoh-Owusu praised the area's impressive strides in immunization.

"This all involves the cooperation given by the community," she stated. "They have been helpful with immunising children against measles, tuberculosis, and other childhood killer diseases, which has enabled a lot of children to go to school without getting sick."

She specifically commended the high uptake of vaccines, from polio to the recent HPV vaccine to protect girls from cervical cancer, noting that "Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality did really well." While acknowledging that a few people resisted, she promised continued engagement: "We will educate them on the importance of vaccination."

Turning her focus to another critical area, the Regional Director set a bold target for the year ahead. "This year, we don’t want an increase in maternal deaths. We want to minimise or record zero. No woman should die while giving birth," Dr. Okoh-Owusu declared. She emphasized the duty of health personnel to provide exemplary care to ensure safe deliveries and healthy babies.

In a heartfelt appeal for partnership, she encouraged community trust and open communication. "We want all to still keep faith with the health service, for we want to serve you better," she said. Acknowledging the human element of healthcare, she added, "If you face challenges at our facilities, kindly draw our attention. We cherish our patients. Please bear with us and bring issues to us."

The tour culminated in high praise for the local team, led by Municipal Director of Health, Wilhelmina Tiwaah Duah. "The municipal health directorate is really doing well," Dr. Okoh-Owusu said, honoring the staff's hard work.

The message from the region's health leadership is one of gratitude, resolve, and a shared mission—to build on the victories against MPox and immunization targets, to safeguard mothers, and to foster a health system strengthened by community faith and collaboration.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney