Last Thursday, Ghana Health Services (GHS) confirmed two cases of MPOX in the Accra metropolitan area of the Greater Accra region.
Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The symptoms include rash or skin lesions, fever, headache, muscle pain, lower back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission occurs through close contact between the skin to skin, mouth to mouth, or mouth to mouth – through infected individuals, or contaminated materials such as clothing and linen.
As an epidemic, MPOX calls for rapid containment measures to prevent further spread.
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In response, GHS is working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to implement rapid public health interventions.
These include tracing contact information to identify individuals who may have come into contact with confirmed cases, increased surveillance in health facilities and communities, and public education campaigns.
The service ensures the public that health systems are highly vigilant and well-prepared to manage the situation using established infectious disease protocols.
We praise the aggressive measures taken by GHS, but we believe that beyond medical responses, emphasizing personal hygiene and in particular hand washing is important not only to address MPOX, but also to prevent a wide range of infectious diseases.
Hand washing is a simple yet powerful act that forms the basis of personal hygiene.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought a strict reminder of this and has brought new global attention to the role of hand hygiene in controlling infections.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), normal hand hygiene can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by about 20% and diarrheal diseases by up to 40%.
These diseases disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations, especially in low-income areas where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.
Washing your hands with soap removes dirt, bacteria and viruses from the skin, breaking the infection chain.
Without proper hand hygiene, bacteria can easily spread food, surfaces, and physical contacts. Especially in schools, offices, markets, and hospitals.
Unfortunately, despite its proven effectiveness, hand washing is often overlooked.
Access to soap and clean water remains a challenge in many parts of the world, including some communities in Ghana.
Research shows that even in resourced areas, many people don’t wash their hands regularly or do it properly.
To fill this gap, we need more than just infrastructure. Also, sustainable public education is needed.
Cultivating hand washing habits from an early age can lead to healthier communities and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Therefore, it encourages governments, schools and health agencies to strengthen awareness campaigns and invest in sanitation facilities.
Installing hand washing stations in public spaces, especially in underserved areas, can make meaningful differences.
Integrating hand hygiene education into the school’s curriculum also could develop lifelong habits that promote health and well-being.
The beauty of hand washing lies in its simplicity, accessibility and effectiveness.
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It requires minimal resources and can be practiced by almost everyone, but offers immediate and long-term health benefits.
When dealing with current MPOX cases, seize opportunities to strengthen basic public health practices.
In the Ghanaian era, we believe that the government, through GHS, has both a commitment and ability to manage the situation of MPOX and prevent a wider outbreak.
But beyond this immediate response, we need to look at long-term strategies to strengthen public health.
In the fight against infectious diseases, innovation doesn’t have to be constantly complicated.
Sometimes, the most powerful solution is also the easiest. And one of the most effective tools we have at our disposal is as simple as washing our hands.
