Starting Thursday, October 17, a nationwide campaign will vaccinate six million children under the age of five against the polio virus, following the recent detection of polio type 2 in Koforidua.
Health authorities announced the two-round vaccination initiative during an official launch event, stressing the importance of preventing the virus from spreading. Although no human cases have been confirmed yet, officials emphasize the urgency of this preventive measure.
Eastern Regional Health Director, Winfred Ofosu, highlighted the significance of the campaign, stating, “We are at a critical juncture in eradicating polio. This virus, which has caused paralysis and death primarily among young children, has robbed countless families of their future. But thanks to vaccines, we are closer than ever to defeating it.”
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, noted that the new oral polio vaccine is crucial to boosting the country’s immunity and halting the virus before it can infect humans. “The vaccination will take place in two phases, with the first round starting on October 17 and the second round in November. Our goal is to stop the virus from transferring from the environment to people, while also strengthening our immunity gaps,” he explained.
Dr. Frank John Lule, a World Health Organization official, underscored the importance of maintaining rigorous vaccination efforts, despite a 99% global reduction in polio cases since 1988. He warned that complacency could undo the progress made.
Eastern Regional Minister Seth Acheampong reaffirmed the government’s dedication to public health, emphasizing the collective responsibility required to ensure success. “Government at all levels remains committed to a polio-free Ghana, but we need more than just policies and strategies. It will take the active involvement of parents, healthcare workers, traditional leaders, and development partners to ensure that no child or community remains vulnerable to polio,” he said.
The type 2 polio virus, one of three strains of the disease, was largely eradicated worldwide thanks to vaccination efforts but can resurface in areas with low vaccination rates and poor sanitation. The virus detected in Koforidua has been traced to a transit case linked to Algeria.
With this campaign, Ghana hopes to shield its youngest citizens from the threat of polio and eliminate the virus entirely from the country.
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