By Samuel Akumatey
Ho, Nov. 20, GNA – More than 300,000 infants aged zero to 59 months are to receive the second dose of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine in the Volta Region.
The campaign would run from November 21 to 24, 2024, trailing the initial campaign held a month prior to eradicate the Polio Variant Type Two, circulating virus that threatened some countries including Ghana.
A single case of the variant was discovered in Koforidua in September, prompting the Health Service to introduce the new oral vaccine, and which it described as a “next-generation tool designed to address cVDPV2 outbreaks more effectively and with greater genetic stability”.
Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, the Deputy Director of Health Services for the Volta Region told stakeholders at a Risk Communication Sub-Committee meeting that a total 317,637 under five had been marked for the second-round national immunisation days of oral vaccine.
“This campaign underscores our unwavering commitment to eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of our children,” he reiterated.
Dr Dzokoto noted that the main objective was to break the transmission cycle by growing population immunity and also strengthen surveillance to prevent future outbreaks.
The campaign would utilise house-to-house vaccinations, and be supplemented by fixed vaccination sites in schools, and at community centers.
The Health Service also announced the introduction of a second dose Inactivated Polio Vaccine into routine immunisation in the country.
Dr Djokoto said it will “significantly enhance immunity against all polio virus types.
“This campaign is part of our broader strategy under the Polio Endgame Plan to ensure a polio-free future. We cannot overstate the importance of this campaign. All parents and guardians must ensure their children under five years receive this free vaccine. Community leaders, educators, and healthcare workers are encouraged to actively support vaccination teams to reach every child.
“Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. It is preventable through safe and effective vaccines. If our population is fully immunised, we can eradicate polio and protect future generations from its devastating impacts. This campaign is not just a health initiative; it is a national responsibility.
Together, let us prioritise the health of our children and take one step closer to a polio-free Ghana”.
Stakeholders in the Region received update on the present cholera outbreak in the country.
The Volta Region is yet to record any cases although the nation has a total of 131 confirmed cases and 16 deaths at the last count.
Dr Djokoto said surveillance on the disease remained high and urged the promotion of strict hygiene in all aspects.
He said there was the need for the collective effort of every individual, community, and stakeholder to prevent further spread of cholera.
GNA