The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched an emergency oral polio vaccination campaign in the Ashanti Region, targeting 1.4 million children, after a new Circulating Virus Derived Polio Type 2 strain was detected in the Eastern Region. This strain has been genetically linked to a similar type 2 strain found in Algeria.

According to Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Ashanti Regional Health Director, the emergence of this new strain poses a significant threat to Ghana’s polio eradication efforts, despite the country’s progress in controlling wild strains of polio.

Key Concerns:
– Low Vaccine Uptake: Low vaccine uptake and inadequate sanitation practices in communities could hinder progress and lead to a resurgence of polio.
– National Risk: The new strain puts all children in Ghana at risk, not just those in the affected regions.
– Urgency: The vaccination exercise is urgent, and parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure their children receive the vaccination to protect them from this debilitating disease.

The GHS is committed to conducting this vaccination campaign vigorously to prevent the spread of the new polio strain and safeguard public health. With the help of parents and guardians, Ghana can maintain its progress in polio eradication and ensure a healthier future for its children.