The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched an ambitious campaign to cover over six and a half million children across the country in the polio vaccination campaign, in an effort to eradicate the wild poliovirus in the country.
According to the Director-General of GHS, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye, the detection of an environmental polio virus was a warning that polio might be circulating silently within communities in Ghana, despite the fight that had been waged against it for years.
He revealed that the poliovirus could survive in sewage, water systems and other environmental reservoirs, posing an ongoing risk, especially to unvaccinated populations with its corresponding deaths and physical deformities.
Speaking at the second launch of the 2024 National Polio Immunisation Days Campaign in the Eastern Region, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye said that the prevention efforts by the government formed part of the country’s broader strategy to close the immunity gaps that allowed poliovirus to persist.
“With enhanced environmental surveillance, consistent and continuous routine immunization, and targeted risk communication and education, we can stop polio at its source and prevent its resurgence,’’ he said.
He urged all caregivers of children under five years to look out for the vaccination teams and ensure that their children are vaccinated.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye enjoined the media to use their platforms to provide accurate information about polio, the benefits of vaccination and the importance of immunizing every child.
“This campaign will not succeed without the involvement of every community member. We must work together to educate, raise awareness and build trust in vaccines.
“I call on parents to ensure their children receive all scheduled polio vaccinations as well as the one being provided during this campaign,’’ he said.
Dr. Winfred K. Ofosu, the Eastern Regional Director of Health Service articulated that the campaign was part of the broader efforts to strengthen the health system in Ghana and to build resilience against preventable diseases.
He added that Ghana was at a critical stage in fighting against polio, a disease that once struck fear into the hearts of families around the world.
“In Ghana, we have made remarkable progress through the tireless efforts of health professionals, dedicated volunteers and our development partners. We have significantly reduced the burden of polio.
“However, we are not yet at the finish line. As long as there is a single case of polio anywhere in the world, every child remains at risk. It is for this reason that this campaign is so crucial,’’
Dr. Winfred Ofosu indicated that the National Polio Immunization Campaign is not just another health initiative, but a bold statement of Ghana’s commitment to protect future generations.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, hinted that Ghana has made tremendous strides in eradicating this deadly and crippling virus as he praised the Ministry of Health, GHS and other partners who have worked tirelessly to develop and implement robust immunization programs aimed at protecting every child from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Seth Acheampong assured that the region would continue to support the Ghana Health Service, local health workers, and community leaders to ensure the vaccine reaches every child in every corner.
Dr. Frank John Lulu, Officer-in-Charge of the World Health Organization (Country Office in Ghana) urged districts and facilities to leverage the polio campaign to integrate routine immunization.
