The Authorities of Ghana, with the assist of the World Well being Group (WHO) and different companions of the International Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), has rolled out a polio vaccination marketing campaign, focusing on youngsters below 5 years throughout all 16 areas of Ghana. This follows the affirmation of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus kind 2 (cVDPV2) within the nation from two acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) circumstances; one every from North Gonja District in Savanna Area and West Mamprusi in North East Area.
The marketing campaign, which is scheduled for 1 – 4 September 2022 for the First Spherical and 6 – 9 October 2022 for the Second Spherical, is predicted to extend inhabitants immunity in opposition to the Sort 2 Poliovirus and break transmission of the illness. Over six million youngsters throughout the nation are anticipated to obtain the novel Oral Polio Vaccine Sort 2 (nOPV2) for every of the rounds.
Talking on the launch of the marketing campaign, the WHO Consultant in Ghana, Dr. Francis Kasolo underscored the necessity for improve polio surveillance and proactive response to curb the outbreak. He additional referred to as for a broader coalition of all stakeholders to struggle in opposition to polio and different public well being emergencies.
“This marketing campaign marks a key milestone in our quest to comprise the continued polio outbreak in Ghana. The instruments for halting transmission of polioviruses have stood the check of time. Due to this fact, we should all be part of the struggle in opposition to the polio outbreak and different public well being emergencies by saying no to misinformation”, added Dr. Kasolo.
The nOPV2 vaccine is a next-generation model of the monovalent Oral Polio Vaccine (mOPV2) and has been proven to be secure and efficient in defending in opposition to kind 2 poliovirus whereas being extra genetically steady and thus lower the chance of cVDPV2 emergence in low immunity settings.
On his half, the Deputy Minister for Well being, Hon. Mahama Asei Seini famous that regardless of the numerous efforts in the direction of the eradication of polio, many youngsters are nonetheless vulnerable to the virus and pledged authorities steady partnership with the (GPEI) to make the struggle a hit while urging most of the people to assist the immunization marketing campaign. “I’m encouraging all caregivers of kids below 5 years to make sure that no baby is overlooked on this immunization marketing campaign”, stated Hon. Seini.
While highlighting the vital position of vaccination within the prevention of polio, the Deputy Director Common of the Ghana Well being Service, Dr. Anthony Adofo Ofosu inspired all to maintain the surroundings clear and keep good private hygiene. “We must always, always, bear in mind to scrub our palms with cleaning soap below working water earlier than and after dealing with a toddler, making ready meals, consuming, feeding the kid, and after visiting the bathroom. We also needs to prepare the youngsters to do identical or assist them do identical”, He added.
WHO and different GPEI companions have supported authorities with monetary, logistical, and technical assist to achieve and vaccinate all eligible youngsters throughout the nation