Polio Vaccination Campaign Launched in Keta for Children Under Five

Keta: The Health Directorate in Keta, Volta Region, has started a polio vaccination initiative targeting children under the age of five to combat the spread of the disease in the area. According to Ghana News Agency, the campaign, led by Madam Dora Kugbonu, the Public Health Promotion Officer at Keta, began today, Thursday, and is scheduled to continue until October 20. This vaccination drive is specifically designed for children below five years of age. Madam Kugbonu emphasized the collective responsibility to shield children from polio by actively participating in the campaign. She highlighted that children who have previously been vaccinated against polio are not exempt, as they will require additional doses to boost their immunity against potential lifelong paralysis caused by the disease. The Health Directorate aims to vaccinate approximately 14,730 children during the initial phase of the campaign. A second phase is planned to run from November 14 to 17. Madam Kugbonu encouraged all parents and guardi ans to ensure their children receive the vaccination, which consists of just two drops. The health teams will be visiting homes and setting up vaccination stations at schools, churches, mosques, markets, and other public places. Madam Kugbonu also stressed the importance of the vaccine's safety and efficacy, which has been proven globally. She urged the public to recognize vaccination as the sole preventative measure against polio for children between the ages of 0 to 5 years. Additionally, she advised parents to report any cases of sudden paralysis or limb weakness in children under 15 years to health facilities within 24 hours. The campaign will operate daily from 0600 to 1700 hours. Madam Kugbonu called for public cooperation to ensure the success of the vaccination drive and to help eradicate polio and other diseases in Keta. She further recommended regular handwashing with running water, the use of hand sanitizers, and maintaining good personal hygiene to protect against various illnesses. The Ghana N ews Agency also reported that everyone, both adults and children, should receive at least five doses of the polio vaccine in their lifetime to maintain a robust immune system.