On October 15th, 2024, the National Polio Immunization Days Campaign was officially launched at the Forecourt of the Koforidua Sports Stadium. The event, themed “Kick Polio Out of Ghana”, brought together key stakeholder, including traditional leaders, World Health Organization (WHO), the Rotary Club, and UNICEF, etc.
The launch was chaired by Nana Osei Bonsu Simpe II, Adonten and Oyoko Hene of the New Juaben Traditional Council, who represented the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area. In his address, Nana Osei Bonsu Simpe II underscored the importance of immunization as a vital strategy to safeguard the health of the Ghanaian child. He emphasized that eradicating polio was a shared responsibility, urging traditional leaders, health authorities, and all citizens to participate in the campaign to ensure its success. He expressed his support for the health ministry’s efforts, to completely eliminate polio in the country
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Winfred K. Ofosu, the Eastern Regional Director of Health Services. Dr. Ofosu expressed the Region’s dedication to the National Polio Immunization Campaign. He highlighted their achievement in reducing polio cases in the region and stressed the critical need to sustain these efforts, particularly through extensive community outreach and education. He called on health professionals and the public to work collectively in reaching every child with polio vaccines, reiterating the ultimate goal of eradicating polio from Ghana.
Solidarity message, delivered by Frank Lulu, a representative of both WHO and Rotary International, key partners in the fight against polio. Mr. Lulu reaffirmed the commitment of the international community in supporting Ghana’s polio eradication efforts, emphasizing that global partnerships are essential for sustaining the fight against preventable diseases like polio. He also praised the country’s health authorities for their dedication and expressed optimism that, with sustained effort, Ghana could soon achieve its goal of being polio-free.
Isaac WADI, a polio survivor, who gave an emotional account of his battle with the disease. WADI highlighted the life-changing impact of polio and urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, stressing that prevention is far better than enduring the devastating effects of the disease. His story served as a reminder of the critical importance of immunization and the consequences of missing vaccination opportunities.
The keynote address was delivered by the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong who officially launched the National Polio Immunization Days . The Hon. Regional Minister underscored the government’s commitment to a polio-free Ghana and highlighted that polio eradication efforts were a top priority for the Ministry of Health. The speech emphasized that vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective tools in disease prevention, and Ghana was on the verge of achieving a major public health victory. The Minister also stressed that no child should be left behind in the fight against polio, urging every parent and guardian to ensure their children vaccinated.
Following the keynote, the Hon. Regional Minister, along with key health officials and traditional leaders, demonstrated the first round of polio vaccinations, symbolically kickstarting the campaign.
The program concluded with a closing remarks from Nana Osei Bonsu Simpe II, who reiterated his support for the initiative, and a vote of thanks from Dr. Abigail Doduwah, a personnel of the Eastern Regional Health Directorate .