Western Region Battles Twin Health Crises: Mpox Surge and Rising Maternal Deaths Prompt Emergency Response

In response, authorities have reactivated the regional Public Health Emergency Response Team.

Mpox Outbreak Dominates National Cases
Addressing the Western Region Development Retreat, Chief Pharmacist Kwadwo Okyere Apenteng revealed stark figures. The region has reported 187 suspected cases of Mpox, with 43 confirmed infections between January and May. This constitutes a staggering 71% of Ghana's total 107 confirmed cases nationwide.

The outbreak is widespread, affecting nine of the region's fourteen districts. Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality has emerged as the epicentre, reporting the highest number of cases. "In response to this escalating situation," Apenteng stated, "the region has reactivated its public health emergency response team and intensified active surveillance to contain the spread of Mpox."Maternal Mortality Rate Climbs Alarmingly
Simultaneously, the Health Directorate raised grave concerns over maternal health. Preliminary data indicate that 25 maternal deaths were recorded in the Western Region from January to May 2025. This figure already exceeds the number of deaths recorded during the same period in 2024.

Health officials identified critical systemic failures contributing to these tragic deaths:
Delayed Antenatal Care: Many pregnant women are not seeking or accessing vital prenatal check-ups early enough.
Delayed Referrals: Critical delays occur when patients needing higher-level care are transferred between facilities.
Poor Road Conditions: Deteriorating infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, severely hampers the timely transportation of women experiencing obstetric emergencies.

Regional Minister Calls on Chiefs for Healthcare Advocacy

Amidst these twin crises, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson made a direct appeal to traditional leaders. Speaking at the same retreat, Minister Nelson urged the Western Regional House of Chiefs to leverage their influential voices to advocate for urgent healthcare improvements across the region.

Minister Nelson specifically highlighted the pressing need for the long-awaited upgrade of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, the region's primary referral facility. He implored the Chiefs to add their weight to calls for expediting this crucial project, seen as vital for improving overall healthcare capacity and specialist services.

Coordinated Response Underway

The reactivation of the Public Health Emergency Response Team signifies a heightened state of alert. Its focus will be dual: containing the obvious Mpox outbreak through surveillance, contact tracing, and public education, while also addressing the deeper, systemic issues contributing to preventable maternal deaths, including infrastructure and referral pathway improvements.

The Western Region faces a significant public health challenge. The coming weeks will test the effectiveness of the emergency response measures and the power of advocacy, led by both health officials and traditional authorities, in mobilizing the resources needed to protect the region's population.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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