The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has urged the government to imme­diately initiate efforts towards ac­quiring Monkeypox (Mpox) vaccines following the confirmation of a case in the country.

It said the gov­ernment must consider stock­piling vaccines in view of the upsurge in cases on the Africa conti­nent and its potential to spread beyond, in order to provide needed protection for the populace. "The PSGH calls on government as a matter of urgency to ensure early acquisition and distribution of Mpox vaccines, prioritising vaccination of frontline health workers including community pharmacists and vulner­able groups," it said in a statement issued in Accra yesterday.

While calling for the strengthen­ing of public health surveillance and response measures as well as the need to provide adequate resources to healthcare facilities, the PSGH advised its members to remain vigilant and serve as key points of education and referral in their communities and health facilities.

It encouraged pharmacists to adopt screening and triaging at service points, intensify public education on the disease while using personal pro­tective equipment (PPE) in handling suspected cases. "Pharmacists should ensure that all pharmaceutical support staff are properly trained, supervised and pro­vided with the needed knowledge.