Ashanti Region: Following the discovery of a new polio strain, GHS plans to vaccinate 1.4 million children.

In response to the identification of a circulating virus-derived strain of polio type 2, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated a fresh oral polio vaccine programme in the Ashanti Region.

Following the discovery of the novel strain in the Eastern Region’s New Juabeng Municipality in September, which was genetically connected to a related type 2 strain discovered in Algeria, this initiative was launched.

The announcement was made in Kumasi by Ashanti Regional Health Director Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, who emphasised the importance of the immunisation campaign.

Despite Ghana’s notable successes in managing wild strains of polio, he voiced concern that the country’s attempts to eradicate the disease are seriously threatened by the appearance of this new strain.

Low vaccination rates and poor sanitation in local areas could impede progress and cause polio to resurface, Dr. Adomako-Boateng cautioned.

In order to shield their kids from this potentially crippling illness, he recommended parents and guardians to make sure their kids get the immunisation.

Targeting 1.4 million children in the Ashanti Region, the GHS is dedicated to carrying out this immunisation program with vigour.

By expanding vaccination coverage, the health authority wants to protect public health and effectively stop the spread of the new strain of polio.

The virus is genetically related to viral isolates in Algeria, according to the sequencing results. Generally speaking, if it happened in Algeria and Ghana, it indicates that all of the country’s children are in danger if it happened in the Eastern Region,” he said.