Ghana Health Service declares type 2 poliovirus outbreak over after successful response

The Ghana Health Service has declared an end to Ghana's type 2 poliovirus outbreak, marking a significant step toward worldwide polio eradication. On Saturday, October 24, during World Polio Day 2026, the Service declared the outbreak closed, crediting sustained vaccination campaigns, enhanced disease surveillance, and collaborative efforts with WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and the CDC.

Confirming the closure through Outbreak Response Assessments (OBRA), Ghana joined five other countries that successfully halted their type 2 poliovirus outbreaks in August 2026, including Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, highlighted the country's strong surveillance, immunization, and rapid response systems as key factors in this achievement. The Service emphasized that regular investment in routine immunization, supplementary vaccination drives, and community mobilization contributed to maintaining high immunization coverage above 95%.

Despite these successes, the GHS cautioned that continued vigilance was essential to prevent future outbreaks, underscoring the need to uphold robust surveillance and maintain high vaccination rates.

Polio, if left unchecked, can lead to permanent paralysis but is entirely preventable through vaccination. The GHS urged parents and caregivers to ensure all children receive all recommended doses to protect themselves and contribute to a polio-free future for Ghana. Acknowledging that an outbreak in one place can affect the entire world, the Service stressed the importance of international cooperation in maintaining global health security.

This year's World Polio Day, themed "One Day, One Focus: Ending Polio for Good," emphasized the critical role of community participation and ensuring every child receives necessary vaccines. The GHS remains committed to strengthening surveillance and immunization efforts to safeguard children and prevent the re-emergence of poliovirus.