Protecting the Vulnerable: Ghana's Fight Against Polio

In our commitment to a polio-free Ghana, a nationwide vaccination campaign was conducted from 17-20 October 2024, using the novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2). Led by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) with support from WHO and other Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, the campaign aimed to reach every child under 5 years of age.

Koforidua Township in the Eastern Region became a focal point of the campaign after the isolation of poliovirus through environmental surveillance. The isolation of the virus presented a major risk of transmission to humans, especially the vulnerable, and required swift and thorough vaccination efforts to improve population immunity. By launching the campaign in Koforidua, the WHO, the Ghana Health Service, and other partners aimed to raise awareness and respond decisively, ensuring no child in the community or beyond was unprotected.

The launch commenced with an awareness float and walk through the principal streets of Koforidua. This initiative aimed to raise public awareness about the presence of poliovirus in the country and the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations.

At the launch, WHO Ghana’s OIC, Dr Lule addressed the community, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for a healthier, polio-free future. His message set a strong tone for the campaign’s goals, underscoring WHO’s unwavering support for Ghana’s polio eradication efforts.

He said, "Together, we’re protecting every child in Ghana from polio. With the dedication of our healthcare teams and partners, we’re reaching every corner—city and village alike. No child will be left behind as we step closer to a polio-free Ghana and a healthier future for all".

To gain firsthand knowledge of how the campaign was progressing, Dr. Lule and Dr. Winfred Ofosu, the Regional Director of Health Services for the Eastern Region, embarked on joint field visits to various districts in the Eastern Region.

They visited Abetifi in Kwahu East, Adawso and Atibie in Kwahu South, and concluded their tour at Holy Family Catholic Hospital in Kwahu West. Dr. Lule and Dr. Ofosu provided encouragement to and supported vaccination teams as they worked tirelessly and diligently to vaccinate children, despite challenging weather conditions.

WHO teams worked tirelessly with vaccination teams to reach every eligible child, moving through hard-to-reach areas, markets, hamlets, and farmlands across the country.

The use of Rapid Convenient Monitoring (RCM) system enabled real-time tracking of campaign performance and coverage, allowing for timely adjustments and targeted support to areas with sub-optimal performance.

The commitment to a polio-free Ghana continued with the second round of the nationwide vaccination campaign, conducted from 21-24 November 2024. This follow-up round targeted children who missed the initial campaign, ensuring that every eligible child under five was vaccinated with the novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2). Building on the success of the October campaign, this phase further strengthened population immunity, leaving no child unprotected and bringing Ghana closer to the goal of eradicating polio.

The polio vaccination campaign demonstrates Ghana's commitment, alongside WHO unwavering support, to reach every child, regardless of location or accessibility. The hands-on involvement of the Officer-in-Charge of the WHO Ghana Country Office the collaborative partnership with government officials and other partners demonstrates the passion and commitment of those who envision a healthier, polio-free future for every child across Ghana. Together, we are working towards a polio-free future for all children in Ghana.


For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393