Ghana Launches National Committee to Tackle Mpox, Cholera, and Meningitis Outbreaks

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has inaugurated a 13-member National Health Emergency Steering Committee to coordinate the country's response to three ongoing disease outbreaks—Mpox, cholera, and meningitis.

The committee includes representatives from key ministries, civil society organizations, and international development partners. It will also oversee the deployment of a World Bank-backed emergency health fund, aimed at supporting frontline response operations, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and strengthening disease surveillance nationwide.

The announcement comes amid escalating public health concerns: a meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region, a cholera resurgence in Greater Accra and the Central Region, and more than 85 confirmed Mpox cases across the country.

“These outbreaks are serious and simultaneous,” Akandoh emphasized at the launch in Accra. “We must move with urgency, guided by transparency and accountability.”

Global Support and Long-Term Resilience

The emergency fund is part of a global initiative coordinated by the World Bank, with technical assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO). It is designed to strengthen national health systems, focusing on workforce capacity, lab testing capabilities, and real-time data tracking.

Dr. Sofonias Asrat of the WHO praised Ghana’s decisive approach and called on the steering committee to prioritize timely communication and inclusive public engagement.

“Robust health systems begin with early detection and a prepared response,” Asrat said. “Public trust depends on openness and clear updates.”

Beyond Emergency Response

While responding to immediate outbreaks is the committee’s primary mission, Akandoh stressed the importance of laying a foundation for long-term health security.

“This is not just about stopping today’s outbreaks—it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s,” he said. “We’re seizing this moment to rethink how our health system prevents, detects, and responds to threats—especially in underserved and remote regions.”

Health officials also acknowledged that systemic issues—such as sanitation deficits and rural infrastructure gaps are exacerbating disease vulnerability.

The steering committee’s work begins immediately, with updates on resource deployment and outbreak trends expected in the coming weeks.