The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched the second round of its nationwide polio vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize 7.2 million children under five years old. The exercise, which begins today, November 21, and runs until Sunday, November 24, seeks to strengthen immunity against the polio virus among young children across the country.
This phase follows the successful completion of the first round three weeks ago and coincides with similar efforts in neighboring countries also at high risk of polio outbreaks.
Ghana confirmed a case of polio type 2 in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region, on September 6. In response, health authorities have intensified surveillance to detect and contain any potential cases.
Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achianno, Program Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) at the GHS, emphasized the importance of vaccinating children to halt the spread of the virus.
“The only way to break transmission is by vaccinating the children, and so we urge guardians to make them available. The vaccines have been rigorously tested and are safe,” he said.
High-ranking health officials are expected to visit vaccination sites on Friday, November 22, to monitor the progress of the campaign.
The GHS remains committed to ensuring every child under five is protected against the virus, as part of its broader strategy to combat polio in the region.
Source:TheDotNews