IOM Ghana Goodwill Ambassador and award-winning musician Kofi Kinaata has taken a leading role in an advocacy campaign on Mpox preparedness and prevention in Elubo, a key border town between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in the Western Region.
The initiative, launched by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other public health stakeholders, aims to strengthen cross-border surveillance systems and raise public awareness on Mpox prevention and response strategies.
With funding support from IOM’s Rapid Response Mechanism, the campaign is designed to empower border communities with vital health information, early detection tools, and coordinated response measures to help curb the spread of infectious diseases across national borders.
Speaking at the launch event, Kofi Kinaata highlighted the crucial role of community education and collaboration in preventing health emergencies.
“Our collective safety depends on how well-informed and prepared we are. Let’s take responsibility, stay alert, and report any suspected cases early to protect ourselves and our families,” he urged residents.
The IOM and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ghana’s health authorities in enhancing epidemic preparedness, especially in high-risk cross-border areas such as Elubo, where population movement and trade are frequent.
Officials from the Ghana Health Service also emphasized the importance of community-based surveillance and public cooperation in early disease detection and response.
The campaign forms part of IOM Ghana’s ongoing public health and migration management initiatives, which promote health security, community resilience, and safe mobility across the sub-region.
By engaging influential figures like Kofi Kinaata, IOM aims to reach more people with credible health information and inspire collective action against emerging health threats like Mpox.
The Mpox awareness campaign in Elubo also included community outreach sessions, health screenings, and educational engagements with transport operators, traders, and border officials. Volunteers distributed informational materials in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for both locals and travelers.
Health experts conducted live demonstrations on preventive measures such as proper hygiene, early symptom recognition, and the importance of seeking medical care.
The initiative further encouraged collaboration between Ghanaian and Ivorian health authorities to enhance regional disease surveillance. Through this campaign, IOM Ghana and Kofi Kinaata continue to inspire community-driven approaches toward a safer, healthier, and more resilient population.
