By Samira Larbie
Accra, Oct. 24, GNA – Ghana has officially closed its type 2 poliovirus outbreak following sustained immunisation, disease surveillance and community mobilisation efforts.
The outbreak was officially closed in August 2026 after Outbreak Response Assessments (OBRA), the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said in a statement on Saturday to commemorate this year’s World Polio Day.
The achievement was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and international partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, GAVI, Rotary International and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Ghana joins Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo and Uganda, which also closed their type 2 poliovirus outbreaks in August 2026.
The GHS said the achievement reflected sustained investment in routine immunisation, supplementary vaccination campaigns, outbreak response and community engagement.
It said immunisation coverage had remained above 95 per cent following the introduction of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in 2018 and the addition of a second dose in 2024.
These interventions had strengthened protection for children against polioviruses, which could cause paralysis and, in severe cases, death.
The Service, however, stressed the need to sustain the gains through active surveillance, continued vaccination and collaboration with communities and international health partners.
It cautioned that poliovirus transmission in any country posed a risk to others until global eradication was achieved.
World Polio Day, observed annually, raises awareness about the disease and mobilises support for global eradication efforts.
This year’s celebration is on the theme: “One Day, One Focus: Ending Polio for Good,” which emphasises community participation and ensures that every eligible child receives the recommended polio vaccines.
The GHS described polio as a preventable but potentially deadly disease that could cause lifelong paralysis and urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children received all recommended doses of the vaccine.
It also called on the public to support immunisation activities to protect children against the disease.
“The Ministry of Health/GHS reaffirm our commitment to a polio-free Ghana and a healthier future for all children and call on all to unite to end polio for good,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe