The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, has launched the nationwide campaign for the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating polio in Ghana.
Speaking at the national launch held Tuesday in Koforidua,Hon. Seth Acheampong described the campaign as a “pivotal step” in safeguarding the health of Ghana’s children.
Hon. Acheampong said. “Today marks a pivotal step in our collective fight to kick polio out of Ghana.”
Polio, which has caused the paralysis and death of countless children worldwide, remains a threat, and recent outbreaks in other countries highlight the need for continued vigilance.
“We cannot afford to be complacent,” he warned,stating that the introduction of the new nOPV2 vaccine is essential to preventing the spread of the virus and ensuring that the gains made so far are not reversed.
Hon. Acheampong praised the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service in prioritizing the well-being of the nation’s most vulnerable, particularly children. “Our efforts in tackling polio are no exception, and today’s launch further affirms our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the future of every Ghanaian child,” he stated.
The nOPV2 vaccine, described by the minister as a “safer and more effective tool,” is designed to sustain high immunity levels in regions at risk of polio. “The introduction of nOPV2 into our immunization program underscores the government’s determination to adopt the best strategies and innovations in healthcare to keep our citizens safe,” he added.
Hon. Acheampong also called for collective action to ensure the success of the campaign. “We need the active collaboration of everyone here today—parents, health workers, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners,” he stressed. He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that no child is left behind and no community remains vulnerable to polio.
As part of the region’s commitment to the campaign, the minister promised that the Eastern Region would intensify efforts to raise awareness, improve access to vaccination services, and address community concerns. “We will continue to support the Ghana Health Service, local health workers, and community leaders to ensure that this vaccine reaches every child in every corner of the Eastern Region,” he said.
In conclusion, Hon. Acheampong expressed optimism about the eradication of polio in Ghana. “Today’s launch is not just about a vaccine—it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to protecting our children, our future, and our country from the debilitating effects of polio,” he said. “Together, we can make sure that, one day soon, polio will be nothing more than a distant memory in the annals of Ghana’s history.”
Over six million children under 5 years are expected to be vacinated during the exercise across the country.
A float was held on the streets of Koforidua to precede the launching.
Source : Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
