In an effort to eradicate the wild poliovirus in Ghana, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, has disclosed that they are targeting over six and a half million children in the polio vaccination campaign in the country.
According to the Director General, polio has crippled and claimed many lives for generations.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye explained that polio vaccination has proven to be the most powerful weapon GHS has had against in the past years.
He stated that the detection of an environmental poliovirus is a warning that polio may be circulating silently within communities in Ghana.
He revealed the polio virus can survive in sewage, water systems, and other environmental reservoirs, posing an ongoing risk, especially to unvaccinated populations.
Speaking at the second launch of the 2024 National Polio Immunization Days Campaign in the Eastern Region, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye said that, the prevention efforts initiated by the government form part of the country’s broader strategy to close the immunity gaps that allow 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 Ghana Health Service on his part also articulated that the campaign is a part of the broader efforts to strengthen the health system in Ghana and to build resilience against preventable diseases.
He emphasized that Ghana is at a critical stage in the 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.
Dr. Winfred Ofosu insisted the National Polio Immunization Days Campaign is not just another health initiative but a bold statement of Ghana’s commitment to protect future generations.
“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,’’ he averred.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong delivering his speech cited that Ghana has made tremendous strides in eradicating this deadly and crippling virus by recommending 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.
Hon. Seth Acheampong assured that the region will 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.
Dr. Frank LULU said that the campaign is an opportunity to offer protection to all children under 5 years old against the poliovirus.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Solomon Nartey
